do it yourself European Deer Skull mount

[The General]

Here is the 8 pointer I shot last year.

Step 1 bury it in the garden with antlers sticking above ground with 1 five gallon bucket over each antler.

Step 2 I waited just over a year and pulled it out of the garden and all that was left was the skull.

Step 3 wash the dirt off with a pressure washer.

Step 4 mix the 2 chemicals together and paint.  The first picture already had one coat on for 24 hours.  I couldn't believe how much the first application lightened up the skull.

Step 5 continue washing off the chemicals and painting it again until you get it as light as you prefer.  Picture 2 is the skull all painted up. 

I'll continue to post picture as the project takes shape.  The 2 chemicals are volume 40 and powdered lightner, which were purchased at the local beauty supply store. 

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[glenn57]

  :happy1:NICE!!!

[beeker]

that'll be a nice european when it's done. i've done a handful of these.. the best process i found is to cut as much of the flesh off as you can and boil it in borax and dish soap. pulling it out from time to time to cut the loose chunks off. once your get all the goo out.. soak it in peroxide to lighten. i've done this on a number of "first bucks" for the nieces/nephews. and other random critters.
borax and peoxide may be cheaper than beauty components.

[dew2]

 Nice lookin skull.I have a collection of skulls,I dont worry if they survive or not,So I just drop them across the road and let nature do its thing.The majority turn out great then I bleach and spray with 3-5 coats of lacquer.

[Auggie]

Not bad General. Degreasing is the step most people don't do. Next time before trying to whiten soak it in water,ammonia, peroxide, and dawn dish soap mixture. Soak it in a pail with an aquarium heater for best results. Volume 40 is basically about 12-13% peroxide. The stuff you normally buy at the store is 2%. I use a stronger 35% version that is cheaper than either when purchased from the right supplier. I can get the number for anybody interested, location is in Hutchinson MN. Don't have it handy or I'd just post it.
Beeker Boiling is tough on skulls if you over do it. Keep the heat to a light simmer and instead of borax use salsoda. While you do some degreasing as you boil they can always use more.
Beetles are the true ticket for cleaning skulls. I've tried all the methods over the years. Maceration is stinky, boiling is messy and can do a lot of damage if not done correctly and
Burying them just takes to damn long and they are much tougher to get them as white as I like to see them.
Just some constructive criticism and pointers guys, hope it helps!!

[The General]

 Thanks Auggie.  It also reminds me to post the pic of the final project.  Total cost was about $25.



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[The General]

The beauty supply store I purchased the chemicals at was in Hutchinson.  I think it's called Sally's beauty supply.

[Auggie]

Looks good.
Sally's is a large chain, you can find it in most larger towns. Willmar, Mankato, St. Cloud, scattered through out the metro ect..