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which finish for antler?

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stuckinthemud:
Evening!

I am just about to finish a piece of carved antler inlayed into a handle. What is a suitable finish for antler, bearing in mind it will be handled a fair amount; presumably wax will attract dirt and discolour quite quickly? I was thinking of shellac or spar varnish but don't really want to use linseed oil as there is a piece of worked bone in the same piece that I do not want to stain.  Thanks in advance, Andrew

Pat B:
I use Tru-Oil as a bow finish and that goes over antler overlays too.

stuckinthemud:
Thanks Pat, I used your comment to read up on Tru Oil, only thing is, it doesn't seem to be readily available over here.  I could possibly cut a poly varnish with white spirit, I've sealed air-rifle stocks with that in the past.  Any thoughts?

Pat B:
I think Tru-Oil is only linseed oil and dryer additives. Any finish like that should work just fine. What are you using on your bow?

Hawkdancer:
Might check with some local gunsmiths and see what they use.  Your formula should work, though.  Try a test piece.
Hawkdancer

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