Bleaching bones

[Elines]

I've found some sheep and ?fox skulls, spines and other bits and pieces, while out on a walk - the bones are generally white but stained with dirt, grass etc. Some still have bits of ?ligament attached. I'd like to get them as pure white as possible to photograph them as part of still lifes. So I think some sort of soaking is the way to go.



Computer says hydrogen peroxide is the stuff to use but for the quantity I need (~a half to a bucket full) is too expensive if bought retail.

I tried a local hairdressing place that says they do wholesale but no joy. I'm trying cola (Tesco) but not doing a great job.

Bleach is said to rot the bones.

Any ideas that are economical and effective?

 

[Digital Finger]

Karcher?

 

[Elines]

Karcher?

Thanks for the suggestion Simon.

As it happens.... I have one

Could be a last resort but my guess is could be a high risk of damage but not ruling it out

 

[Tommy]

Maybe just household bleach....

 

[Alan Jones]

What about soap and water followed by Matt White paint?

 

[Elines]

Maybe just household bleach....

Yes, I had wondered about that too, but when I searched it I found references to it destroying the bones. However, as I only want to use them for photography rather than put them on permanent display (say) then it might end up being what I do - if I don't get a better suggestion

What about soap and water followed by Matt White paint?

Hmm - I think it might lose too much detail but again - might be suitable for some.

Certainly it seems that I will have to test out different approaches on odd bits of bones to see what works best for what I am trying to do.



Thanks to everyone for helping - all much appreciated.

 

[Digital Finger]

If this weather persists stick them in the sun

 

[Elines]

If this weather persists stick them in the sun

If only

 

[Digital Finger]

If only

It’s blazing here

 

[Elines]

It's quite nice here but for how long?

 

[Bill Martindale]

Perhaps a local museum may be able to give you the information you need? They have bones on display so will have a safe method of cleaning and bleaching them.

 

[Elines]

Good idea, there is one nearby so I will call in

 

[Joe Crumley]

Perhaps a visit to a local taxidermist.

 

[Toby Webster]

The smaller skull, I think you'll find it's a badger, not a fox. Does the lower mandible fall off when you pick it up?

 

[José Angel Santana]

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-clean-animal-bones-so-that-you-may-proudly-displ-1798191351

 

[Elines]

The smaller skull, I think you'll find it's a badger, not a fox. Does the lower mandible fall off when you pick it up?

Thanks, I'll check when back home

 

[Elines]

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-clean-animal-bones-so-that-you-may-proudly-displ-1798191351

Thanks José


Maybe I had misunderstood but others of this kind that I saw were using much stronger solutions.

I'll do the numbers

 

[Alan Jones]

I personally think if you clean the skulls too much you could lose the texture of the bone Chris

 

[Elines]

(Thought i had already responded)

Valid comment Alan, but I have enough bits and pieces to allow me to experiment