Thread: Restoring Horn Scales

OK. I'm really sorry if I've missed it but I've been trying for a little while to find something on restoring horn scales. I know I've read it before, but I'm missing it now. Maybe I'm tired and just missing it.

Anyway, how do you restore/finish horn scales. I'm soaking them in neats foot oil now, as I think that was the first step. Any help and direction would be great!

Hiya I usually oil at the end. Just progressively wet-sand as you would plastic or metal. The dust is toxic hence the wet-sanding. Start with a grit that removes any scratches & finish with the finest you have.
I usually finish with a buff but 2000 grit gives a nice finish

Thank you!

Hope to see pics of the finished article.

Also if you have any chips, bug bites etc they can be filled with a color matched epoxy & sanded flush. Another reason for leaving the oil last
I've repaired scales most would just throw away. Epoxy really is a lifesaver when it comes to horn. Just wish I had something that was as good for ivory.

I may send this one to Brad(Undream). I'm a little Short on time lately, but we'll see. Just thought they were some type of plastic material, then tried rubbing them and they gave off a burn hair smell. Plus, looking at all the pictures of horn on here, I'm certain they are now.

I do have another question. Does horn have layers? Neer the pivot it looks like a layer is chipped off. There is a spot that looks like it has a chip or bite, not sure which. Also has a steel spacer(Lead maybe?).

Horn certainly does have layers. It is basically compressed hair protein like fingernails.
Most of the old wedges or 'spacers were pewter or similar.