Help needed

Hey guys, so I got my European mount back from the taxidermist, and honestly I'm sick to my stomach. The bases are bleached white, and there are deep scratches in the tines. Is there something besides dirt that a taxi can smear in the grooves to fix them? And is there something to regain the color on the bases? Thanks.

 

Could use epoxy to fix the scratches and then the whole thing air brushed to match any pics taken...

 

That's unacceptable work... Your taxidermist needs to repair that or fully refund your money.

 

Nothing less than a full refund is acceptable. Not only are the antlers damaged but the skull isn't even properly cleaned. It wouldn't be too terribly hard to repair the scratches though and the antlers can easily be recolored.

 

My taxidermist said that he sometimes uses wood stain to add color to bleached bases.

 

I agree with the others that you should definitely get a full refund. I would ask him for a refund and to fix the damages free of charge. He is a taxidermist and he should know how to do his just correctly.

 

How much did he charge you to do that?

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The color can be restored to the antlers with antler stain and antler wax or Potassium Permanganate , Van Dykes makes it ... for sale thru their online store Van Dyke's Taxidermy Supply - premium quality taxidermy supplies, forms and glass eyes!

 

Van Dyke's or McKenzie taxi supply.
If you're comfortable with regular wood stains, they do a great job.

 

Y'all must be pickier than me. Looks fine.

 

I would also coat the skull with "Mop and Glo" to give it a little shine.

 

Doesn't look like it's worth getting worked up over.

 

If you have ever done a euro yourself you would not complain about what you have.

 

If this is a taxidermist you've used quite a bit and want to use them again, call them up and see what they can do to fix it.
If you don't want to use them again use some stain and fix it yourself.

 

Did you notice and complain to the guy that did it when you picked it up?

 

Rub a little dirt in the scratches and bases and no biggie.

 

I've done over a dozen of European mounts,
personally I think yours looks nice, nothing to be ''sick to your stomach'' as you say.

I think your taxidermist probably boiled the entire skull AND antlers, that would explain why the antlers are not as dark as they should be.

That can easily be corrected with wood stain, just be extra careful not to spill any stain on the skull itself, it will look a lot worse than pale antlers. Cover the skull with rags and Saranwrap and use tape around the base of the antlers.

As for the scratches, I have no idea how these were made, no real reason for them.

You can sand them down (by hand... don't use powertools...) using 120 grit sandpaper to get the worse out, then use some wood stain as well.

PS. I'd use ''Walnut'' color for the wood stain...

Also, just remember that nobody will look at your mount with a magnifier from 6 inches away, and even with these minor imperfections, it will look great in your trophy room, living room or on the shed.
It's made to be looked at from a distance.

Heck, I had to point out my Moose shoulder mount to a few guess... they hadn't notice it on the fireplace...
...

 

If this was a DIY project it would be tolerable...but having paid a professional... I would have expected much more.

 

I would not be happy at all. If he won't refund and fix them tell him you'll post pics on review websites with his name than find a different taxidermist for future work. I just got my euromount back after only about a 3 week wait. He said he's had over 60 to do so far. The antlers look exactly the same as when they were dropped off.

 

I don't bring my truck to Jiffy Lube to get the oil changed and end up with a dented door. Unacceptable. I also agree that your taxi should fix it for free.