Thread: What are you working on?

Here they are after one hour in the dye. So far, so good. They are the perfect shade of black and very dark and even. The color is called soft black. Hopefully the dye is deep enough to survive polishing. If not I will polish them fully and attempt to re-dye them.

Couldn’t wait until morning! I had to polish at least one of them to see how it turned out. I wish I would have taken some before pictures, but as usual, I didn’t think about it. These scales were not terribly miscolored, but they were not black anymore. I polished pretty aggressively after the dye as I like my horn scales to be nice and glassy. I did purchase another pack of dye that’s another shade of black but I can’t imagine it would be any better. I will keep refining my process with this and keep you guys updated with what I learn. Looks like I’ve got a new weapon in the arsenal.

I’d be interested to hear about the experiences of others that have dyed horn.

Originally Posted by BeJay

Couldn’t wait until morning! I had to polish at least one of them to see how it turned out. I wish I would have taken some before pictures, but as usual, I didn’t think about it. These scales were not terribly miscolored, but they were not black anymore. I polished pretty aggressively after the dye as I like my horn scales to be nice and glassy. I did purchase another pack of dye that’s another shade of black but I can’t imagine it would be any better. I will keep refining my process with this and keep you guys updated with what I learn. Looks like I’ve got a new weapon in the arsenal.

I’d be interested to hear about the experiences of others that have dyed horn.

I've played with using a vacuum chamber to force various things into bone and wood with good success but I've never tried horn. However from what I've experienced the vacuum would force the dye deeper into the horn.

Just a thought--

I was actually thinking the same thing. That would also be a good way to get some neatsfoot oil deep in the horn as well.

Wow. That is glassy and it looks like new black horn from the picture. I would have to say that your process is tuned up nicely.
Although I am snickering to myself a little. I have without success tried to make new horn look old and loose its colour and have that grainy, silvery look.

:-)

If one were to follow beauty shop procedures, a time spent in 30% hydrogen peroxide, and a rinse, prior to dying may cause a deeper penetration of the dye.
Looked into it a couple of years back. Got no further but a first try. Spots on honey horn. Health made me be out of the shop till after rehab.
~Richard

Originally Posted by BeJay

I was actually thinking the same thing. That would also be a good way to get some neatsfoot oil deep in the horn as well.

I have done the neatsfoot oil with horn scales while on the razor in the vacuum chamber and it worked well. I was surprised at how bubbly it was and for how long the bubbles came out.

Here’s the dyed scales back on the W&B. I’m happy with both. I was able to save two of the original collars. I put them on the back side and put two “AJ’s” bullseyes on the front. They were a close enough match.

Looks awesome, BeJay!

Put it on Custom-Builts and Restorations so all can see!

That came out great, BeJay. Looks just like new.