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I have a black bear skull in my freezer right now that I want to clean. I was reading (once upon a time) about someone who said they have buried them a few feet in the ground and let nature clean them naturally. Has any of you on this forum tried this and how did it work for you?
Vic
December 11, 2015
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Update Jan. 6, 2016
Personally, I have never buried a skull but I do know a few people have done it with some success…however, depending on what organic matter or metals are in the soil the skull can be stained and may never be whitened.
So, I buried this skull way back in January of this year and although I have thought about it from time to time I never dug it up until today. Whatever bugs found it did clean it out and there is no smell other than the earthy material (mostly clay like we specialize in here in East Tennessee). Under the dirt and clay the bone is yellowish.
Suggestions on the best way to whiten it up? I don’t really need it super white, just more on the white side than yellow.
Vic
August 15, 2011
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First off, for a Bear skull, you will need to degrease it.The grease is what gives it that yellow look. You can use Dawn dish soap and water, submerge skull for a few days, then dump water and repeat for a few more days. Keep repeating this process until you see no more grease gathering at the surface. Next, Get some 20% or 40% ( by volume ) peroxide, it can be purchased at Sally’s Beauty Supply, or other beauty stores. Mix it with Clairol Basic White ( from same store), and make a paste. Apply paste to area you want to be white. Put skull out in the sun for a full day. Afterwards, rinse all of the powder off to see the result. Repeat the process to whiten more.
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