I just need confirmation that I'm doing this right (or really wrong). I just purchased a tanned cape via ebay. Eager to mount my
first commercially tanned cape, I ordered a form which matched the measurements I was given. The cape has a full dorsal
incision and doesn't appear to be even close to the size of the mannikan. I will get to mounting the cape in about 10 days, so I
plan on hanging it in my work area until then. I plan on rehydrating the cape in 5 gallons of warm water with a capful of Downy
for two hours and then bagging overnight. I can then sew up the incision so that a short y remains and then stretch in all
directions. I am assuming I'll regain a lot in the stretching (hopefully). If not, I guess I'll store the rehydrated cape in the freezer
until a new form arrives. Am I way of base, or does this sound right? Thanks for all your help.
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I am in a similar stituation and would be interested in reading the response. Will the cape restretch?
Tanned capes shrink a good bit when they dry hanging up. I would not "presew" the cape to a Y incision. Rehydrate then STRETCH...STRETCH till it is large as the form. If it is too small in the neck after stretching still then you may have to shave the form a bit and you can get more stretch by shaving the cape's neck thinner. Stretch the cape for width, position the brisket and staple in place, then after sewing the cape onto the form "taxi" the skin forward from the top of the shoulders. This will take some pressure off of the neck and improve the looks of the hair on the finished mount.When buying capes (especially on ebay) keep in mind that people will measure differently. Is it 19" over the hair, over the carcass, tight against the head, over the atlas, 3" down from the head? All 19" capes are not the same. Best to ask how the measurement was taken before the purchase--then some will just plain lie to you. Good luck- Aaron Honeycutt
To your rehydration mix. Check the archives it will explain all about rehydrating capes.
Add a handfull of salt pre gallon of cool water, thats all you need. Rehydrate for about one half to one hour, bag and refridgerate overnight. Stretch for width using a flat bar starting from the center of cape working out. Measure below ears and three inches down from ears and order correct form. Also start sewing from antlers and work back, a lot less headaches if your off on your alignment when you sew from the back first...Paul
there is no need to soak your cape for two hours. 15 to 30 minutes in cool water(no need for the Downey), completely submerged will do it. Even though the ears and the nose will not be soft by then, putting the cape in a bag and letting it sit in the refrigerator over night will do it. It will be all soft and flexible the next day.