Bleaching a deer skull with 40 volume hydrogen peroxide is a common method to whiten and disinfect the skull after it has been cleaned. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it safely:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Cleaned and degreased deer skull
- 40 volume hydrogen peroxide (commonly found at beauty supply stores)
- Plastic container or tub large enough to fully submerge the skull
- Safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Old clothes or an apron (peroxide can bleach fabric)
- Paintbrush or sponge
- Well-ventilated area or outdoor space
- Plastic sheet or tarp to protect your work area
- Timer or clock
Safety Precautions:
- Always wear safety goggles and rubber gloves when working with hydrogen peroxide, as it can irritate the skin and eyes.
- Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Keep children and pets away from the work area.
- Hydrogen peroxide can bleach fabric, so wear old clothes or an apron that you don’t mind getting stained.
Steps:
- Prepare Your Work Area:
- Lay down a plastic sheet or tarp to protect the surface you’ll be working on.
- Mix the Hydrogen Peroxide:
- Pour the 40 volume hydrogen peroxide into a plastic container or tub. Make sure there’s enough to fully submerge the deer skull. You may need to dilute it slightly with water if you have a large skull.
- Submerge the Skull:
- Gently place the cleaned deer skull into the hydrogen peroxide solution. Ensure it’s fully submerged.
- Brush On Hydrogen Peroxide:
- Use a paintbrush or sponge to apply additional hydrogen peroxide directly to the skull’s surfaces, including the antlers. This helps ensure even bleaching.
- Cover the Container:
- Put a lid or plastic wrap over the container to prevent dust, debris, or insects from getting into the solution.
- Set a Timer:
- Depending on the level of whitening you desire, leave the skull in the solution for 24-72 hours. Check the skull periodically to gauge the progress.
- Rinse and Dry:
- After the desired whitening level is achieved, carefully remove the skull from the hydrogen peroxide solution.
- Rinse the skull thoroughly with water to remove any residual peroxide.
- Allow the skull to air dry completely. This may take a few days.
- Optional: Seal the Skull (if desired):
- You can choose to apply a clear sealant or lacquer to the skull’s surface for protection and a glossy finish. Allow the sealant to dry before displaying the skull.
Safety Note:
- Dispose of the used hydrogen peroxide properly, following local regulations. It’s generally safe to pour it down the drain with plenty of water.
How To Bleach A Deer Skull With Hair Bleach?
Using hair bleach or salon-grade hydrogen peroxide to whiten a deer skull can be an alternative method, although it may not be as effective as industrial-strength hydrogen peroxide. Here’s how you can bleach a deer skull using hair bleach or salon hydrogen peroxide:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Cleaned and degreased deer skull
- Hair bleach (powder or cream form) or salon-grade hydrogen peroxide (20-30 volume)
- Plastic container or tub large enough to fully submerge the skull
- Safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Old clothes or an apron (bleach can stain fabric)
- Paintbrush or sponge
- Well-ventilated area or outdoor space
- Plastic sheet or tarp to protect your work area
- Timer or clock
Safety Precautions:
- Always wear safety goggles and rubber gloves when working with bleach or hydrogen peroxide, as they can irritate the skin and eyes.
- Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Keep children and pets away from the work area.
- Bleach can stain fabric, so wear old clothes or an apron that you don’t mind getting stained.
Steps:
- Prepare Your Work Area:
- Lay down a plastic sheet or tarp to protect the surface you’ll be working on.
- Mix the Hair Bleach or Salon Hydrogen Peroxide:
- If using hair bleach, follow the instructions on the product packaging to prepare the mixture. Typically, it involves mixing a developer (usually 20-30 volume) with the bleach powder or cream.
- If using salon-grade hydrogen peroxide, you can dilute it slightly with water to achieve a 20-30 volume strength. Make sure there’s enough to fully submerge the deer skull.
- Submerge the Skull:
- Gently place the cleaned deer skull into the bleach or hydrogen peroxide solution. Ensure it’s fully submerged.
- Brush On the Solution:
- Use a paintbrush or sponge to apply the bleach or hydrogen peroxide solution directly to the skull’s surfaces, including the antlers. This helps ensure even bleaching.
- Cover the Container:
- Put a lid or plastic wrap over the container to prevent dust, debris, or insects from getting into the solution.
- Set a Timer:
- Leave the skull in the solution for 24-72 hours, depending on the level of whitening you desire. Check the skull periodically to gauge the progress.
- Rinse and Dry:
- After the desired whitening level is achieved, carefully remove the skull from the solution.
- Rinse the skull thoroughly with water to remove any residual bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
- Allow the skull to air dry completely. This may take a few days.
- Optional: Seal the Skull (if desired):
- You can choose to apply a clear sealant or lacquer to the skull’s surface for protection and a glossy finish. Allow the sealant to dry before displaying the skull.
Safety Note:
- Dispose of any leftover bleach or hydrogen peroxide properly, following local regulations. It’s generally safe to pour them down the drain with plenty of water.
How Long To Leave 40 Peroxide On Deer Skull?
The duration for leaving 40 volume peroxide or salon-grade hydrogen peroxide on a deer skull or bones depends on various factors, including the desired level of whitening and the condition of the skull. Generally, you can leave the peroxide on for 24-72 hours, but it may require more or less time depending on your preferences. Here’s a guideline:
1. 24-48 Hours: If you want a moderately white appearance for your deer skull or bones, leaving the peroxide solution on for 24-48 hours should suffice. This duration often provides a satisfactory level of whitening.
2. 72 Hours or More: For a whiter, more bleached appearance, you can leave the peroxide solution on for 72 hours or longer. Some people prefer to leave it for several days to achieve a very white result.
Important Considerations:
- Check the skull or bones periodically during the soaking process to gauge the level of whitening. You can remove them from the solution when you achieve the desired results.
- The effectiveness of the peroxide can vary based on factors like the bone’s thickness and the concentration of the peroxide solution.
- Always prioritize safety when working with peroxide, wear protective gear, and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
- After removing the skull or bones from the peroxide solution, rinse them thoroughly with water to remove any residual peroxide.
- Allow the cleaned skull or bones to air dry completely before displaying or storing them.
Remember that the level of whitening is a matter of personal preference, so you can adjust the soaking time to achieve the desired result.
Final Thoughts:
Bleaching a deer skull with 40 volume hydrogen peroxide can be an effective way to achieve a clean, white appearance. However, always prioritize safety when handling chemicals, and work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to fumes.
