Skull Boiler Basic Instructions

Assembly of Skull Boiler

Remove all parts from the boiling box
Install the burner assembly on the burner support arm and secure in place using the 5mm wingnut
Insert the two longest legs in the two rear sockets on the boiling box (these are interchangeable)
Insert the short leg into the front socket of the boiling box
Make sure all three detent pins are securely engaged to support sockets
Attach the propane hose to a propane cylinder
Using the provided 5/16” eyebolts and wing nuts, install one wingnut per bolt, with the wings up towards the eye of the bolt, next insert the bolts into the corresponding holes along the top flange of the boiling box. Finger tighten the second wingnut per bolt with the wings pointing down. (this most likely will need to be adjusted later for a precise fit)

Skull Preparation

Remove all hide, lower jaw, eyes, and as much tissue as possible including brain matter
Place skull inside the boiling box
For elk or large animals place the nose of the skull into the bottom front wedge of the boiling box
For deer and other small skulls use the provided ¼” rod and insert the rod horizontally into the nose adjustment brackets that are welded inside the boiling box
Insert the 3/8” rod thru the eye bolts and under the horns to support the head
Adjust the position on the skull using the height of the bolts, the hole locations the bolts are in and the height of the nose support rod try to get the had as low in the pot as possible while keeping the base of the horns as level as possible
Fill the boiling box with water, us just enough to cover the top of the skull, but not submerge the base of the horns
Make any final adjustments needed to the head support to ensure proper submersion
Add liquid dish soap or laundry detergent to the water to help degrease the skull while boiling
Install the two split covers as far as possible, this will help retain heat and help prevent discoloring of antlers
Carefully light the burner, and adjust the flame using the regulator
Bring the pot to a boil and adjust to flame to provide a light simmer. It is very important to not bring the pot to a heavy boil, this will weaken and damage the skull bones
Let the head simmer for about an hour or until the tissue along the top of the nose splits and starts to peel off the bone. Remove the skull from the water and remove as much tissue as possible
Using a knife, a fine brass wire brush, smalls picks, or a pressure washer carefully remove tissue
Place skull back in the pot and simmer until more tissue is ready to be removed. Using clean water and soap is recommended but will add time to reheat
Repeat step 13 and 14 as necessary
Once the skull is clean, mix Volume 40 Crème developer, and BW2 Powder Lightener into a thick paste.
Using a small brush, cover the entire skull with the paste making sure to cover everything
Wrap the skull with a plastic bag or shrink wrap to keep the paste from drying out
For best results place the skull in front of a heat source, let skull sit until desired color is achieve, this could be 30mins to 24 hrs. depending on temperature and condition of the skull
Wash the skull thoroughly with soap and water to remove all paste and residue
Repeat steps 19 and 20 if a whiter color is desired
Optional: the volume 40 Crème developer can be added to the water to let the skull whiten in the tank
Optional: lightly coat the skull with household “Mop and Glo” to seal and protect the skull