How to Clean Longhorn Skulls and Horns

Power wash to remove all you can.
Drill small holes in back of horns where you will later put screws for hanging. This also helps you to get the horns back on at their natural angle when you are finished.
Boil skull in vat with degreaser until horn shells can be removed -- about 1/2 to 1 hour.
Cut inner bone off about 8-10 inches from base of skull.
Use high pressure sprayer to remove tissue and clotted blood inside.
Break loose nose cartilage and break pockets that have blood etc in them. Direct sprayer into center of the horn bone.
Return to vat and boil 1-2 hrs.
Repeat boiling and spraying until no more "stuff" comes out.
Coat the skulls with a paste mixture (thickness of a thick milkshake) of Hydrogen Peroxide (35%) and Magnesium Carbonate.
Let paste dry completely. When paste is completely dry it becomes
inert.
Wash with pressure washer.
Dry 3 - 4 days. If not white, use paste again.
Wash skull with a mixture of half vineger and half water.
Rub in Elmers glue to make sure all bones teeth etc are secure.
Spray 1 - 2 coats of Dephthane on skull, be especially generous in
brain and horn cavities.
Fit horns on skull and insert screws.

Cleaning Horns:
Boil with skull until horns can be seperated.
Boil 30 - 60 minutes to break loose connective tissue inside.
Remove and wash with clean water.
Use hign pressure and round brushes to clean out inside of horn.
Let dry at least 24 hours.
Clean entire horn, especially the front side with drum grinder, flapper and or "DA" to remove outer scales and dirt.
Finish horns with 150-200 grit sandpaper to remove scratches and smooth out rough spots as necessary.
Put clear coatings on horns or finish as desired.
Install horns on skull.

Back

For more information:
Longhorn Network
16311 W.C.R. #38
Plattesville, CO 80651 US
720.255.6607