Cleaning Skull Cap

[ncbornandraised]

I know there have been discussions about the "boiling" method to clean skulls, but I just cut off the rack and skull cap of a buck and Iv been having some trouble getting all of the flesh off, especially this thick, white, fatty looking substance underneath the antler base. Wierd stuff. I already cooked it for about an hour in soapy water which a guy recomended, but i cant scrape or brush off all the flesh still. Any tips/ideas? I want to mount them on a plaque im making with a leather covering over the skull cap. Im not sure what this mount type is called though.

[Brow Tine]

What i find works is a small sharp knive. I kind of twist the knive down the base of the antler to the skull. Be careful not to dig to deep otherwise you will leave lilttle knife marks on the skull base.
If you do get some..i have used some fine sandpaper to lighten them up.
That stuff on there is thick membranes. The best way I remove it is by letting it cook off. And picking at it
It will take longer than an hour in the hot hot water. (Time, patience and a little elbow grease)
I also use a laddle to "baste" the top of the skull (if it has antlers)

[ncbornandraised]

Alright thanks brow tine, my main problem is getting the top submerged so that it will cook off. ill try that out.

[ncbornandraised]

have you ever used "sal soda" for such a job? Found it on the web and from what iv read its the same as arm and hammer wash soda and will dissolve the membrane and stuff

[Brow Tine]

Thats a really good suggestion.I use about a pound of salt. Il have to try arm and hammer next time.

How are your skulls coming along?

[ncbornandraised]

Due to exams I havnt been able to spend as much time as Id like getting this thing mounted, so Im just taking it a bit at a time really.