How to Prep, Clean, and Bleach a European Skull Mount: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you're an experienced hunter or a taxidermy enthusiast, creating a European Skull Mount—often called a Euro Mount—is a rewarding way to showcase your hard-earned trophy. This style of mount is clean, minimal, and highlights the natural beauty of the skull. In this guide, we'll walk you through the entire process of prepping, cleaning, and bleaching a skull for display, as well as tips for mounting it on a wall using a skull hanger.

What Is a European Skull Mount?

A European Skull Mount is a type of taxidermy where only the skull of the animal is preserved and cleaned for display. Unlike traditional shoulder mounts, this minimalist style eliminates fur and hide, giving a skeletal, natural look. Euro mounts are popular for deer, elk, bear, and even exotic game.

Step 1: Preparation – Field Care and Boiling

The first step begins immediately after harvesting the animal.

1. Skin the Skull

• Remove the hide, eyes, tongue, and as much muscle and tissue as possible.

• Take care around the nasal bones and delicate areas.

2. Boil the Skull

• Place the skull in a large pot (do not boil antlers if they are attached—keep them above water).

• Add water and a small amount of dish soap or sal soda (sodium carbonate) to break down fats and tissues.

• Simmer for 1–2 hours, checking periodically. Avoid overboiling, which can weaken bones.

Tip: Never use high heat or pressure washing directly on the skull—it can damage the structure.

Step 2: Cleaning the Skull

After boiling:

1. Remove Tissue

• Use pliers, dental tools, and a soft brush to remove remaining flesh.

• Be thorough around the brain cavity and nasal passage.

2. Degreasing

• Soak the skull in warm water with dish soap or a commercial degreaser.

• Change water regularly for 1–2 weeks depending on how oily the skull is.

• This is a critical step—improper degreasing can lead to yellowing later.

Step 3: Whitening the Skull

Bleaching a skull doesn’t involve actual bleach, which can damage bone. Instead:

1. Hydrogen Peroxide Whitening

• Use 12–40 volume hydrogen peroxide (available at beauty supply stores).

• Apply it using a brush or soak the skull (never the antlers).

• Let it sit for 12–24 hours until the desired whiteness is achieved.

• Rinse and let dry thoroughly.

Step 4: Sealing and Mounting

After the skull is cleaned and whitened:

1. Seal the Skull (Optional)

• Apply a matte clear coat to protect and preserve the skull.

• Avoid glossy finishes to keep the natural bone look.

2. Use a Skull Hanger for Display

• A skull hanger or European Skull Wall Mount is the safest and cleanest way to display your trophy.

• Choose a wall mount that supports the weight and shape of your skull type—there are specific models for deer, elk, and bear.

• Mounting adds visual impact and saves shelf space.

Final Thoughts

Creating a Euro Mount is a hands-on, rewarding process that highlights the raw beauty of nature. With proper prep, cleaning, and whitening, your European Skull Mount can last a lifetime. Whether you're a taxidermy hobbyist or just looking for a rustic conversation piece, a cleanly mounted skull using a reliable skull hanger adds a bold, natural element to any space. Of course, if you are looking for the best and highest quality rated European skull wall mount bracket / Euro skull wall mounting hanger and system, we recommend our UROADX UX1 Wall Mounting unit, and if you want to showcase your trophy euro on a desk, console table or shelf, we highly recommend our sleek TX1 Tabletop system.