Thread: Coloring Discolored Horn Scales

I couldn't believe the difference it made when I soaked old scales in neets foot oil. From tan/brown and dry and flaky to dark black and healthy looking. I then sanded and buffed them. Again I was amazed at what a three - four day soak in oil does.

Hi Guys,
Thank you all for your replies. I've been thinking about this for over a year, lol, so I certainly didn't rush into it. I keep the blade in mostly original condition, so I didn't want to have shiny-new looking scales, which the long soak would impart.
So I tried our old friend the shoe polish. A light sand from 400-1200, washings in between, then a good application of kiwi shoe polish, followed by a light soak in Viol, which is a cleaner/polisher/worm preventative solution mainly for wooden instruments. I should probably apply a coat of ren wax, to seal it a bit more but I personally don't like it that much. (I used viol only cause I had some lying around and thought I'd try it.)
I think it did a pretty nice job; a nice healthy matt finish. I doubt it's as permanent as hair dye, but hasn't seemed to come off on a test wash and towel dry.
Anyway, just a simple and humble effort.

I make 18th/19th century powder horns with scrimshaw. Most horners use potassium permanganate to dye horn. The more coats you apply over time, the darker it will become. It will fade in sunlight over time, but you can re-apply. It works amazing on anything containing protein. DO NOT GET IT ON YOUR HANDS OR FINGERNAILS. It takes a lot of time to get it off. You can buy it at ACE hardware and other hardware stores (or they can order it). It's not cheap, mostly because of the quantity you have to buy. Apparently it can be used to sterilize water. Some vendors who cater to re-enactors will a product called "Old Bones", which is Potassium Permanganate. Hope this helps.

Chris

Originally Posted by Sandycrack

I make 18th/19th century powder horns with scrimshaw. Most horners use potassium permanganate to dye horn. The more coats you apply over time, the darker it will become. It will fade in sunlight over time, but you can re-apply. It works amazing on anything containing protein. DO NOT GET IT ON YOUR HANDS OR FINGERNAILS. It takes a lot of time to get it off. You can buy it at ACE hardware and other hardware stores (or they can order it). It's not cheap, mostly because of the quantity you have to buy. Apparently it can be used to sterilize water. Some vendors who cater to re-enactors will a product called "Old Bones", which is Potassium Permanganate. Hope this helps.

Chris

Thats very interesting - thanks.

I have used pot permanganate - it was a part of the chemistry kit I had when I was a boy. I can't think waht its use was in that kit, though.

I know at one time that it was used as a pre-encounter disinfectant in houses of ill repute and that it is/was used a an instant ager for props - it gives a brownish patina to items that make them look very old.

Regards,
Neil

I've seen some horns aged with silver nitrate. They are gorgeous. It gives a nice, deep dark brown to reddish hue. I think pot perman may be a little cheaper and easier to work with.

I also saw a guy use the "Just for Men" hair die on the spout of a horn. Left it on for 24 hours. Worked out quite well.

I've tried a little bit of everything - shoe polish, leather dye, walnut/butternut dye, and even old school Kool Aid. Nothing works as well as pot perman. Most of it just wipes off. Eventually, everything will fade with time.

Chris

Ok guys. I just read that pot permanganate will react with glycerin and cause a chemical fire. So if I used it to stain a horn scaled razor would it be fine after drying or given some time? Or would there still be a chemical reaction? I'm not much of a chemist.

Now I'm just guessing here - because it seems like commons sense - but I think you would need to pour liquid pot perm into glycerin or mix the powdered form with it. If you wipe it on horn several times, let it darken, then wipe it off, maybe with a damp cloth, you SHOULD be fine. Like you, I'm no chemist, but I think there is VERY little risk.

I usually seal my horns with beeswax when I'm done, too. Puts a nice finish on it without the appearance of plastic.

I would say if there is a real concern, try it on some old horn scrap, wipe off, and pour your glycerin face product over it.