Bone Handle Question

[jbullard1]

What can I use to dye white bone a dark brown?
Do I dye before or after attaching the scales to the blade?
I have them shaped to about  1/16" final size

[jasontn]

jerry theres a product called old bones that does a good job on that. i used tea, cheap instant coffee, and walnuts in the past on the few i have made with bone handles.

[BEAVERMAN]

Jerry, instant tea with lemon works REAL good, boil the water and make a strong mix, then turn off, drop the bone in and stir, check often, Ive used this method for bone hair pipes, the lemon added to the tea will help penetrate, and will turn the bone dark fairly quick, like i said, check it often!

[jbullard1]

Reckon I should soak them in the walnut hull dye I have?

[BEAVERMAN]

Ifn ya got it, use it bud, let us know how it works!One thing I will suggest though, get it hot, it will penetrate the outer layer of bone faster and more even, like dying the tip of a horn with rit berries or natural dyes.

[jasontn]

i used taht once, but it takes a long time. the tea and coffee are faster. beaverman's recipe sounds like itd work real well

[jbullard1]

I'm puttin some tea on to boil now should I boil the bone in with it or just let them soak

[BEAVERMAN]

after you've boiled the tea, turn it off, add the scales and let them soak,

[jbullard1]

will let you know the results I have made a Gosh awful smelling concoction of tea, coffee and lemon juice :th dn

[BEAVERMAN]

Be careful if you do, will probably wire ya up for a week! Of course you'll probably get plenty of honey do's accomplished!

[2-bellys]

id let the brew cool some so as to avoid a little warping

[BEAVERMAN]

Well??? how they look?

[jbullard1]

Well??? how they look?

Couldnt look better if I done it myself
Letin em dry out and then gonna put em on
Do I need to seal with anything??

[nifeman]

I use mineral oil on bone. Rub it in liberally, then wipe with a rag...

[Frank]

Pour that stuff out when you're done, wouldn't want the kids to drink any of it !!!!