I am new to this and have read a Taxidemy book about pickleing. I want to preserve some racoon hides. The instructions I have are to salt them and wait three days...this I understand. It gives a recipe for pickling solution of salt, Alum, and 20 mule team Borax. Basically soak them for a week stirring every other day. My question is: Is there a better solution than home made, or a way to do this. I think the book I have is an older copy and thought there might be a better or more modern process than this.
Steve
Return to Beginners Category Menu
Many of the suppliers sell different acids for the pickle. Any of these will work at a pH of about 2.0. The Alum you mention will aslo drop the pH but the Borax is akaline and has a high pH so that would allow the hair to slip.
Like JohnC said - you want low PH's when using a pickle. I suggest getting some PH papers from a supplier and always check it to keep it at the recommended level.
Alum pickles typically have a PH around a 2.78. Always keep them at or below a 3.0.