This post includes affiliate links. For the full disclosure policy click here.
I grew up in a house of hunters. My husband also grew up in a house of hunters. We both lived with antlers and other taxidermy trophies and it was only a matter of time before they made it into our home as a couple. The only problem I had with this is the style or “look” they imply. See, we arent cabin, lodge, woodsy, etc kind of people within our own space. Its just not us. #nojudgement So a few coats of paint later and we are loving our “new” modern antlers!
The set on the left is one Q actually hunted when he was a kid. They are sentimental and I’ve been trying to find a way to integrate them into our space for quite a while. The set on the right is from Target and completely ceramic. They are both ok on their own but neither fit our style or space.
Ive seen a bunch of tutorials and antler makeovers using spray paint but I really wanted to stick to the color pallet we chose for the living room. And finding those exact colors is basically impossible. So I used the Ceramcoat Select from Delta to mix my colors to an exact match. Its the first time I’ve used these satin finishes and I totally loved them!
I separated the real antlers from the plaque to make painting easier. I wiped everything down with a damp rag to remove dust and thats it. Im not big on prep work… are you guys picking up on that? Ha!
Being that these would be mounted and nearly never handled I wasn’t too concerned with primers or sealers. I just laid out some newsprint and started slapping on the acrylic!
[after 1 coat of acrylic paint]
I used bristle brushes to really work the paint into the uneven surface of the antlers. It took 2 solid coats to get full coverage[see above for coverage after 1 coat] and I did a little bit of touch up on the real knobby bits.
Painting over the fur was a bit different. It took 3 coats to really cover everything and I used a softer synthetic brush. Also, you need to paint with the grain so this dries “laying down”. The paint will make the fur stiff so you want to be aware of how you are directing it.
I let this dry for a full 24 hours before attempting to hang them up. And again, I did not seal these. If you wanted a different finish(glossy/high shine) Im sure you could hit them with a coat of spray on.
Now lets talk hanging hardware. I’ve never been shy about decorating our walls whether we were renting or owned. And over the years I’ve tested a number of different hardware. I know that’s probably making some of you cringe because you’re team “don’t destroy the drywall”! But! I think I’ve found a pretty good compromise.
I picked up this multi-pack of hangers from High & Mighty a while ago and I’m thoroughly impressed! (No, I’m not affiliated with H&M) They can hold an insane amount of weight for their size and they only make a hole the size a thumbtack would leave. Thats tiny! And, even better, they’re a tool free product. #winning
I am loving this makeover and I cant wait hear what a few of my “traditional hunters” think! So would you paint a set of antlers? Have you already given a taxidermy piece a mod makeover? You know I’d love to hear all about it in the comments!
36 Comments
Uhh such a creative DIY, they look awesome!
Thanks!
What a fun project! They turned out so cute too! I would absolutely have these hanging in my house.
Thank you!
These are so creative! It’s such a great way to make antlers look more welcoming and friendly. I come from an are where dear antlers are super popular to hang on the wall. I love how you made them look good without going for a full out rustic look.
Those are so neat! We live in an area with a lot of deer and frequently have them in our yard. We’ve been lucky enough to find some antlers only a few feet from our house on occasion! Thanks for the tutorial with tips.
That’s awesome! One of my best friends goes “shed hunting” and used her finds for crafts throughout her home✨
I LOVE your color choices!! So perfect!
Thank you! I’ve been waiting some time now for the perfect place to use these colors 😍👌
My mom’s been putting random little antlers on our walls for years and I used to just “accidentally” break them because they were ugly. I’m sharing this with her for sure so she can make them cuter hahah.
😂🙌🏻 That is too funny!!!! Hope she likes the update/idea!
Love! Mod spin to natural/woodsy product!
Thanks Auntie😘
Super cute! These would look awesome in my playroom! Great idea!
What a fun idea! A playroom sounds perfect!
those look pretty cool! Not something I have, but I tweeted it for others who might be interested! You could get all crazy with rainbow colors and gold sparkles!
Thanks for the share! I’m totally scheming a plan to do more😬
These came out so cute! What a fun decor piece.
Thanks!
Those look so cute! I hove how you’ve updated them!
Thank you!
This is such a great idea! Changing wood colors to white is such a smart idea to make a piece look more modern.
Olivia | http://oliviadipede.com
Thanks!
Love this idea! White looks so much better. I will definitely try this. Thanks for sharing!
My husband would divorce me if I proposed doing this to his antlers lol. I think it looks neat!
LOL! It took 10 years to convince my husband🤷♀️
I love the spin that you put on these! They turned out great!
Thanks!
My son-in-law is an avid hunter (and soooo disappointed he hasn’t yet gotten a dear this season.) He thinks this is a travesty against nature. But I don’t! 😜
Haha! I know a few people who would feel the same way🙌🏻
I’m not into the whole antlers but my friend is so I can share this with her. I like how you painted it to your liking.
Wow! These are absolutely gorgeous. I want to make these for the holidays as gifts.
I love this idea! I am still decorating my house, so I might just try this.
This modern take is a really cool DIY!
What a great DIY idea! This is a fun way to add some interest and something fun to your home decor.
Such a cool DIY tutorial! I definitely need to try this out!