Thread: Dyeing horn scales?

Hi guys, I came across a nice pair of Inlayed faux tortoiseshell horn scales recently (attached to a highly disappointing cracked Greaves) and subsequently began to lightly sand them back for use on another blade. I had hoped to preserve most of the dye marks, but sadly they vanished nigh on instantly.

What I'm hoping to find out (search didn't throw up any obvious answers) is whether or not it's possible to reapply the faux tortoise pattern? What chemicals were used originally? I assume inks or paints would be no good? Has anyone else had a go at this?



Thanks for any info!

Maybe not directly applicable to creating a faux tortoise pattern on horn, but I did use black leather dye on very old and scruffy set of black horn scales. To add to the horrors I finished them with CA. Possibly with the appropriate coloured leather dyes you could splotch a faux tortoise pattern on. I would test it out on some scrap horn material first though.

Bob

Matt, the original process is fairly toxic using red lead but gloves & a mask should see you thru it. Link below has a brief description. Bottom of the page.
The Household Cyclopedia - Dying

It does seem the old faux tortoise scales were dyed through and through. Like the dye was splotched on and penetrated the horn. I wonder if it was applied from the front, or back side?

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Matt, the original process is fairly toxic using red lead but gloves & a mask should see you thru it. Link below has a brief description. Bottom of the page.
The Household Cyclopedia - Dying

Hmm. Thanks for the link! Sounds rather involved... Maybe they can stay blonde