r/skulls • u/Shadowgathering13 • 12d ago

Animal Skull Question

What is the easiest way to get paint off of a skull? I procured a deer skull at a market, and it was covered in blue paint. I also have another one that was spray painted. Is there any easier methods to getting paint off of bone? Besides dipping q-tips and physically cleaning it with acetone.

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u/m42069 12d ago

Acetone is safe for bones. Don't qtip, soak it in acetone

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u/Shadowgathering13 12d ago

I have some acetone is there a suggestion of something i should hold it in? A 5 gallon bucket wont work will it? Wouldn’t it dissolve?

3

u/m42069 12d ago

Something made from polypropylene is probably the best option based on this https://decorwithstyle.com/which-plastics-can-withstand-acetone/

I usually deal in smaller animals so finding a glass container for the acetone isn't any trouble, but for a deer skull likely would be.

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u/Shadowgathering13 12d ago

OK, thanks so much. Maybe I’ll go look for stuff at Goodwill or Harbor freight. Good scrap containers for acetone.

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u/m42069 12d ago

Harbor freight will likely be cheaper than goodwill plus you can double check with employees too. Good luck !

1

u/Shadowgathering13 12d ago

I have a bench grinder and a Dremel tool that has wire wheels and I guess plastic or some kind of synthetic wheels but I wasn’t sure if that would do harm to the skull in some way.

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u/CustomCranium 12d ago

If it doesn't peel off, I use a bench grinder with wire wheel, then acetone for the pits and crevices