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cleaning a bird mount

21K views 15 replies 8 participants last post by  Pete-pec 
#1 ·
Well, after combing through 6 pages of posts, I couldn't believe there wasn't a post about cleaning the dust off a mounted bird. I have a rather large white-front in a feet out wings locked pose about 12 feet up on the wall. After having it there for about 4 years, It is looking rather dull from the dust. As it is time for my spring indoors cleaning :thumbsdown: I was wondering what you fellas can recommend for getting the dust off. Any inside secrects your willing to pass on would be a great help as I am too cheap to pay someone to clean in professionally.

Thanks in advance,

Jeremy
 
#3 ·
get some of that spray air that they use for cleaning computers it works good for getting dust off anything just dont spray it upside down the cold wet spray will come out dont kow what that would do to your mount but u know
 
#6 ·
I like to use odorless mineral spirits on a rag. Wet the rag down liberally with the spirits, and use the palm of your hand with the rag cupped in it removing the dust in the direction of the feathers. Trust me this will work. It also evaporates, so no residue is left behind to help prevent a bond for dust to accumulate. Good luck!

-Pete
 
#8 ·
I'm sure that alcohol will work as well, just not too sure how fast the evaporative effect will be. With Isopropyl Alcohol it may be too quick? I''ve always used spirits, so never considered trying anything else. I don't think it would hurt to try it.

Another thing that works quite well for cleaning and re-preening feathers, is steam. Boil a large pot of water, and hold your mount over the top of the steam, and the Barbs of the feather will slide back into place on the quill. (provided they weren't bent backwards). This really works well on tail and wing feathers. You'll notice over time that the ends of the feathers get frayed and dry looking. I take a small amount of spirits on a cotton ball or Q-Tip, and dab it on the affected area, and then hit it with steam. The small amount of petroleum in the spirits adds enough oil to rejuvenate the feathers so their close to their original luster and shape.

-Pete
 
#10 ·
On a slightly similar note, what would you guys recommend for a whitetail nose and eyes that are in desparate need of some attention?
 
#12 ·
He's been neglected for a while as my mom won't touch the thing and my old man isn't much of a cleaner. So I figured I'd see what I could do once I'm back from school....

The nose seemed to really dry out, last time I was home I put a real light coat of vaseline on it (prob not a good idea?)

and bye the eyes, there are cracks like where the tear duct would be. It seems like its all just from drying out.

I can figure out the dusting part pretty easy but do you have any tips for the nose and eyes?
 
#13 ·
Take it back to your taxidermist, and see if he'll give you a break on the cost of re-work. Needs some apoxie work on the eyes, and some Elmer's glue on the nose, and the the hair follicles added back to texture the nose, then some paint followed by some Modge Podge to top it off. Cracking and drying just simply happens. Homes today are sealed tight as a drum, and hold heat in much better than the days of old. On the other hand humidity can create problems on it's own.

-Pete
 
#14 ·
I have a Bufflehead mounted on the wall and after five years up there in a house full of smokers,,,i know bad habits, what we have always used was regular 409 house cleaner and baby powder, most of the time just the 409 and a paper towel will work. i clean my dad's mounts for him. as for the deer head 409, papertowel, hair brush they work really well and leaves em smelling pretty good :smile:

Remember if ya cant see what it is before ya shoot, dont pull the trigger :thumbsup:
Tara
 
#16 ·
I modified your post, if you are curious why, please PM me.

As far as the smoked goose, it needs to be cleaned but tobacco staining might be too much to handle? Not knowing the shape of the bird, I wouldn't know if it would be worth the hassle to be honest with you. I would try to wipe it down with a slovent, but I would try the primary feathers first as an experiment to see if it does more harm than good, and would in fact work for you? The "fingers" of the bird can take more abuse than the remainder of the bird.
 
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