Horn Product Care & Warranty
Horn Product Care
SkullVikings horn products have been designed to be used and appreciated, as well as to look beautiful. Remember the materials we work with are a natural, organic substance that has been living and growing for many years so it’s normal for them to have some knocks and marks from the lifetime of the animal as well as the crafting process, all of which makes each item unique. By following a few simple guidelines you can keep your pieces looking as shimmering and glossy as the day you bought them – handled with the correct care these objects can last and be enjoyed for a lifetime.
Cleaning
Do’s
Don'ts
Additional Care
From time to time your hornware will benefit from a little extra care. Using a soft cloth sprinkled with a little vegetable oil wipe over the item in the direction of the grain. Buff using a soft lint-free cloth – this will restore the luster and preserve the natural beauty of the horn. Drinking horns, tankards or cups are not suitable for drinking spirits out of.
Display
Do not display horn items in direct sunlight, under bright lights, near heat, air-conditioning units, or near windows and exterior walls. This will protect the bone from yellowing, the horn from fading and help avoid any cracking or movement. Horn is naturally grainy and has the ability to swell if exposed to too much moisture. It is wise to keep items in an environment that is dry and will not have extreme temperature changes.
Causes of Damage
None of the damage caused by these are covered by our warranty
*Contact with the natural oils of skin or exposure to colored materials can result in the staining or darkening of bone
*Over time, exposure to the environment can also produce some darkening in bone, which can be considered a patina
*Extended exposure to light can discolor bone
*Insects can damage horn
*Fluctuations in temperature (hot or cold) and humidity cause small changes in dimensions of horn, bone, and antler, which can lead to cracking especially between bone and resin/wood. This is normal and part of owning a horn tankard or mug. The seal simply needs to undergo maintenance.
*Liquids such as strong cleaning solutions or even soaking in water can also cause damage
*Leaving food for extended periods may result in discoloration – especially highly acidic or salty foods such as salad dressings, vinegar, tomatoes or other fruits. This can also be caused by strong spirits such as rum and whiskey.
Seal Maintenance & Repair
Over time with use, a little roughhousing, the types of beverages used or temperature changes both in liquids it comes into contact with or in the air the horn is exposed to, a small leak may appear in hornware, especially cups and tankards. This is normal due to the horn being a natural material that contracts and expands while the resin base or seal do not react with the same speed. Here are a few instructions on repairing and maintaining your seal. If you have any questions, just get in touch.
You'll need
1. beeswax (we prefer the granules but it doesn't matter. white or yellow doesn't matter)
2. tin, cup or bowl you're willing to melt the wax in
3. your tankard/cup/horn
How?
Melt the beeswax. You can either microwave it (just until it's melted, no need for it to start bubbling!) or set the container with wax in a saucepan with a few cm of water on the hob. It doesn't need to be a lot of water, just enough for the wax container not to float around.
!The tankard will have to also be slightly warm so the beeswax doesn't harden as soon as it touches the inside of the horn/cup/tankard. If you warm the hornware using hot water before the next step, make sure it is dried fully using a cloth before proceeding
When the beeswax is melted and the tankard is slightly warm, just pour a small amount of wax in the bottom and gently swirl it around. Do this a few times then leave your hornware to cool down naturally.
Once cooled down completely, check if the leak has been sealed. If not, repeat the process.
Depending on how you use and generally maintain your horn product, the first leak may appear in a matter of weeks or months. The frequency of this maintenance process needing repeating depends on the use and storage of your hornware and can vary from a few weeks to a few months.
Most importantly, please use your hornware!
After all, horn products have been an integral part of daily life for centuries and with a little proper care, they can last for years.
All of our products are dispatched with care instructions, however should you require further information on how to care for your piece, please contact us at help@skullvikings.com
