Our Cleaning Process
Creating a European style mount isn't necessarily hard, but the attention to detail, time and patience is what makes the difference. There are several technique's to cleaning your trophy from dermestid beetles, maceration (breakdown through rotting in water over time), burying in the ground, and boiling to name a few of the more popular approaches. Each one can produce a gorgeous trophy.
Here at Dunk Hill Skulls, we utilize the boiling method with several detailed steps that make a difference in the finished product. Many are hesitant to boil because of the fear of brittle bones, damage/removal to the nasal cavity and/or harsh chemicals often used. Our approach with boiling begins with an extremely detailed preparation and de-fleshing of the skulls, which helps to reduce the length of time in the water . Next, each de-fleshed skull is soaked in a hot water bath for 18-24 hours.
Then, the water temperature is brought up to a certain degree, which helps to quickly soften and break down the tissue, but not weaken the bone through a scorching boil . The skulls are often removed to be hand cleaned, cooled and picked with certain tools getting in each duct, gland cavity and crevice. This helps to gently remove the tissue , fat and tendon without soaking in the water for extended periods of time. The water is also changed consistently, so the skull is soaking in a clean water bath free of muscle and fat. This step is very important in the de-greasing of the bone. There are no chemicals at all used in the process to deteriorate the the strength of the bone.
Once the skull is fully cleaned and de-fleshed after several hours of hand cleanings and water changes, it is hung to dry using a dry heat. A minimum of 24 hours has the bone dried and allows our first application of sealant to be applied. After a 12 hour period, we can now hand spray our skulls giving them the lasting-forever bone white color (or color of your choice). The paint finish will keep on the skull forever with zero oxidation and discoloring of the bone. Over time skulls that are bleached, peroxided or whitened with a dye will fade, discolor, flake and become waxy, its inevitable to the elements. Our skulls being sealed and painted will not change or breakdown, ever.
Once a final paint layer has been applied to the skull, it is left to dry another 12-24 hours before returning to the hunter. This process is more detailed, hands-on and tedious, but allows for a lifetime lasting trophy. Now the anxiously awaiting hunter can get their trophy home to appreciate within a few days time, not months!
Every hunter has a preferred style for their trophy . This is our process and approach to helping create, preserve and establish that lifetime memory for your wall. Any technique used could help establish that special trophy, but for us and the hundreds of hunters and trappers we have worked with over the years, our style has never disappointed! The hunting culture is a bond we all share and we appreciate the opportunities we get to meet and work with new hunters each season! We value the friendship, credibility, and trust we have established with the hunters that return to us each season with the trophies. We want to help, support, grow and respect hunters alike.
We are truly passionate about making your trophy perfect from the time we clean and preserve it, all the way through mounting it on a creative and unique display for your trophy room. If you have any questions or interests in trying your own European style mount, reach out, we would love to help you in any way!