How to Clean Skulls: Step-by-Step European Mounts

The practice of preparing a European mount, a form of taxidermy showcasing the skull, frequently begins with understanding how to clean skulls effectively; this is an essential skill, whether you are a seasoned hunter or simply a collector of natural history artifacts. Dermestid beetles, often employed by professional taxidermists, are a natural method for defleshing skulls, though their use requires careful management to prevent infestation beyond the specimen. Alternative maceration techniques, frequently utilized by institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, involve soaking the skull in water to allow bacteria to break down the remaining tissues. The effective use of hydrogen peroxide is also a common method for whitening the skull after cleaning.

How to Clean Skulls: Step-by-Step European Mounts

Creating a European mount, a skull displayed in its natural, unskinned form, is a fascinating way to preserve the memory of a hunt or appreciate animal anatomy. The process, however, requires careful skull cleaning to remove all tissue and prevent lingering odors or pest infestations. The following guide outlines the best practices for achieving a clean, attractive European mount.

I. Initial Preparation: Safety First and Initial Processing

Before you begin, always prioritize safety. Wear gloves, eye protection, and a mask. Working with raw animal remains presents a biohazard risk. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes during the cleaning process.

1. Skinning: The first step is to remove as much skin and flesh as possible. Use a sharp knife to carefully separate the skin from the skull, paying particular attention to areas around the eyes, ears, and base of the antlers (if present).
2. Evisceration: Remove the eyes, tongue, and any other large pieces of tissue inside the skull cavity. A long, thin tool like a bent wire hanger can be helpful for reaching difficult areas.

3. Brain Removal: Extract the brain matter. This is arguably the most crucial step in preventing odor and insect problems.

   • Tools: A wire coat hanger bent into a hook, a high-pressure hose, or even a specialized brain spoon can be employed.
   • Methods: Physically break up the brain matter with the hook and then flush it out with water. Be thorough; even small remnants can cause issues.

II. Maceration: The Natural Cleaning Powerhouse

Maceration is the controlled decomposition of remaining tissues. It relies on bacteria to break down organic matter. While effective, it’s also the smelliest part of the process, so choose a location far from living areas.

1. Container Selection: Use a large plastic tub or bucket. The container must be large enough to completely submerge the skull.
2. Water Temperature: Maintain a water temperature between 80-90°F (27-32°C). This encourages bacterial growth without "cooking" the skull, which can bind tissue and make cleaning more difficult. An aquarium heater can help regulate the temperature.
3. Water Changes: Replace the water every few days, or when it becomes excessively murky. This helps prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and maintains the maceration process.
4. Monitoring: Regularly check the skull. The maceration process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the temperature and the amount of remaining tissue.
5. Avoid Boiling at this Stage: Boiling can set the proteins in the tissue, making it much harder to remove later. Maceration relies on bacterial breakdown, which is hindered by excessive heat.

III. Degreasing: Eliminating Long-Term Odor

Animal bones contain fats and oils that, if not removed, will eventually seep to the surface, causing discoloration and a lingering odor. Degreasing is essential for a long-lasting, odorless European mount.

1. Detergent Selection: Use a non-iodized dish soap, such as Dawn. Avoid detergents with added lotions or moisturizers.
2. Soaking: Submerge the skull in a solution of warm water and dish soap.
3. Soaking Duration: This process can take weeks or even months, depending on the skull. Change the soapy water frequently, at least once a week.
4. Testing for Grease: To check for grease, remove the skull from the degreasing solution, let it dry thoroughly, and then observe it. If greasy spots appear, continue degreasing.

IV. Whitening: Achieving a Pristine Finish

Whitening enhances the appearance of the skull by removing stains and giving it a clean, bright look. Hydrogen peroxide is the preferred whitening agent.

1. Hydrogen Peroxide Concentration: Use 3% hydrogen peroxide, the type commonly found in drugstores. Higher concentrations can damage the bone.
2. Application: Submerge the skull completely in the hydrogen peroxide. Ensure the skull is fully submerged to avoid uneven whitening.
3. Soaking Duration: Soak the skull for several hours or overnight, checking it periodically.
4. Avoid Bleach: Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) can damage the bone and cause it to become brittle over time. Hydrogen peroxide is a much gentler and safer alternative.
5. Drying: Allow the skull to air dry completely in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can cause the hydrogen peroxide to break down the bone’s collagen structure.

V. Optional Steps: Sealing & Display

1. Sealing (Optional): Some people choose to seal the skull with a clear acrylic sealant after it is completely dry. This can help protect it from dust and moisture, but it is not necessary.

   • Type of Sealant: Use a matte-finish acrylic sealant designed for porous surfaces.
   • Application: Apply several light coats of sealant, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

2. Display: Once the skull is fully dry, it’s ready to be displayed. There are many options for displaying European mounts, including wall mounts, table stands, and custom-built display cases. Choose a display method that complements the skull and your personal style.

Summary of Key Steps and Considerations

Step	Description	Key Considerations
Preparation	Removing skin, flesh, and brain matter.	Prioritize safety with gloves, eye protection, and ventilation.
Maceration	Using bacteria to break down remaining tissues.	Maintain water temperature, change water regularly, and monitor progress. Avoid boiling.
Degreasing	Removing fats and oils from the bone.	Use non-iodized dish soap, soak for an extended period, and test for grease.
Whitening	Using hydrogen peroxide to brighten the skull.	Use 3% hydrogen peroxide, avoid bleach, and dry in a shaded area.
Sealing/Display	Optional steps to protect and showcase the finished skull.	Choose appropriate sealant (if using) and select a display method that complements the skull and your personal style.

So, there you have it! That’s the lowdown on how to clean skulls for a killer European mount. It might seem like a lot of work, but trust me, the satisfaction of displaying your own expertly cleaned skull is totally worth it. Happy cleaning!