Metalizing a Deer Skull...

travis_

travis_

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I shot a nice buck this year and I came across a few different styles of "metalizing" skulls for a European mount. I think that it is something I would like to have done. However I can't seem to find anybody in Canada that does this kind of work and I imagine shipping this sort of thing in and back out of the US is a nightmare.

Anyways, I figured someone on this board may know a place/person that does it. I think I could deal with cleaning the skull myself and shipping it wherever within Canada. Any help would be appreciated!

The following link demonstrates what I am talking about:

http://www.montanaskullworks.com/metalizedskulls.html
 
He says his process is patented, could be why. I imagine it's just metal powder sprayed on with a lacquer or perhaps epoxy resin really thick, not true metal, as the bone won't take heat. Probably best to experiment and find the way to do it yourself, I' suspect those finishes could be reached with many, many layers of metallic paint, a clear coat, and polishing.

http://www.paintfactorystore.com/CrescentBronze.php

As for that Cabelas monstrosity... I agree, yikes though you were polite enough not to say it I believe.
 
I saw an oil slick chrome deer skull at a car show in Saskatoon last year. They were even croming leather. I think they were Canadian (maybe from alberta?) but other than that I don't know.
 
Thanks for all the leads, im gonna look more into them once i have Some Free time. I want a process that actually utilizes some sort of metal process so that the finished product is very durable.
 
travis_ said:
Thanks for all the leads, im gonna look more into them once i have Some Free time. I want a process that actually utilizes some sort of metal process so that the finished product is very durable.
Click to expand...

I doubt either of the taxidermists are plating real metal onto bone, it would be much more like a painted finish that contains a lot of metal powder I suspect. Since bone can't take the heat of molten metal, and is non-conductive so it doesn't lend itself to plating, it's the only way I can imagine it happening... Insight from others?

I have seen bronze castings of a skull fit with horns, but these guys are coating the actual skull with something. Likely powder in a binder in the case you posted.
 
Ever seen a set of Bronze baby booties? Same process.

Spray or dip the target item with a conductive paint, then electroplate the metal onto it.

Smaller items need a smaller cash outlay for supplies and, mostly, the DC power supply for the plating.

Dunno who to call, but I have a pretty good idea what's involved.

Cheers
Trev
 
There was a gent at the Salmon Arm gun show who used bugs to clean the skull
clean, white as can be.
I believe he started at $90.
That Cabela's looks interesting enough.
 
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