Scrimshaw ?

J

JDW

Well-Known Member
When doing scrimshaw on Water Buffalo horn or Ivory, how do you keep the ink from penetrating into the natural pores in the natural materials? Do you coat it with something before scratching or just sand to a high grit and buff?
Dale
 
I try to get it as sooth as possible before scrimshaw. Then put on a liberal coat of Renaissance wax before you start scratching.

Buffalo horn can be done without ink as it will be white where you scract it. You can add white ink or paint to make it brighter.
 
I use wood furniture polish after I smoothed as good as can. I rub the work piece on a piece of smooth leather as fast as possible after applying the polish, be carefull not to over heat.
 
Dale, you might want to get some books or vidoes on scrimshaw. One of the first things that they will tell you is that surface preparation is very important. Ivory, and I'm assuming ivory substitutes, need to be prepared by a very fine sanding. More porous materials like bone need to be prepped with something like Zap glue to fill the poors. Try Boone Trading Company at www.boonetrading.com for scrimshaw supplies, books, and other materials.

Doug Lester
 
I buff to the final finish before scrimming and if pores are still a problem I give the surface a coat of carnuba wax or crazy glue then rebuff.

George
 
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