Pros and Cons of tanning methods?

[DarkCoyote]

I'm new to hide tanning (til now I've just been dealing with small mammal mounts where dry preserve is all that is needed). The more I read the more baffled I get. There are so many methods out there! Brain, egg, turpinetine/alcohol, various brands of chemical tans. Can people who have used these please give me the pros and cons of different methods. I'm hoping to have a deer or at least a fox or coon to work on by the end of the winter and I don't want to mess it up! Are some methods better for soft tanning vs mounting?

I'll be honest and say I'm very interested in egg tans as I farm chickens so I have all the supplies needed very easy lol, but I don't want a pelt that rots after a short time. Does smoking vs not smoking the hide effect it's durability any for natural tans like brain or egg? Also if egg tanning is a viable option- what is the exact ratio you use? Also interested in turpintine/alcohol method since as an artist I also have loads of both around lol.

Sorry for the billions of questions! XD

[cyclone]

Type in the phrase "brain tanning", complete with quotes in the "search" box near the top left of the page.  

When you are done reading that, type in "egg tanning" , again complete with quotes, and search on it.  There is plenty to read and digest on both subjects.  

Then throw away any ideas that you have involving turpentine or alcohol needed for the tanning process..

MSBraintan can answer questions about brain tanning.  As for taxidermy purposes, there are many formulations that are suitable.

[DarkCoyote]

Ive read tons of info. What I am looking for is someone who has used the methods to explain which works best durability wise and how they compare based on personal experience.

Can I ask why you suggest against the alcohol/turpintine method?

[cyclone]

Ive read tons of info. What I am looking for is someone who has used the methods to explain which works best durability wise and how they compare based on personal experience.

Can I ask why you suggest against the alcohol/turpintine method?

Sure, there are no tanning agents in alcohol/turpentine.  It is a "witches brew" at best.

It's good that you've done all of that reading because by now you know that "Braining" and "Egging" are not actual tans, you will know that they serve merely as the "fat liqueur" steps in a more complicated process in which "smoking" provides the actual tan.  

You will also know that Brain tans and eggs tans are most likely not suitable for taxidermy purposes unless applied by an expert in the field.  There are few that could pull it off correctly (but none who would want to).

You also know by now that there are many formulations available called "paint on" tans.  Learn to pickle hides and find a suitable "paint on".  

[msbraintan]

I hear and agree on what you're 'saying' exactly, Cyclone. I would toss in the Dakota Pro and a couple of degreasers and some elbow grease.. and there you have it.