Why don't you like using alum? Can a hide that has been tanned in alum be tanned again in another chemical? What is the recommended chemical?
Here is what I need, I need this hide to be a little firm so it can hold a shape somewhat, with the hair on. Wouldn't alum do that? I read that getting it wet would wash off the alum? Does that mean it isn't actually tanned, but more like salted? Or didn't I understand that article correctly? Besides my other requirements, I would like it to be preserved! Thanks!
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According to folks like Audrey and Lloyd Kempf and a host of others, alum tan is a valid as any other method. Alum is the least expensive of methods, but the trade-off is the amount of work required after the pickle. Alum tanning is good for hides where one desires to set the hair quicly, or reduce slippage of questionable capes. Alum tan is also good for blue hides or hides that are not prime.
When more modern processes like the old Devereaux Tan and the early Leukanol and later the Lutan processes became widely available, alum tanning fell from favor because the newer processes left the hides more pliable, and friendlier to work with after drying.
Most commercial tanneries that produce leather goods and garment grade furs do not use the tans most commonly used by the average taxidermist, but that doesn't make the shop tans invalid - no more than a bunch of expensive chemicals make a finished work any better than the simple and historic alum pickle tan
You can also employ an Aluminum Sulphate tan which incorporates a sulphuric acid pickle and bate in Hydrosulphate of Soda and a rinse before tanning in Aluminum sulphate and Salt to get the effect you seem to want.
If you check the archives, you will find far more problems with folks using safety acids and other processes than with those hardheads who employ the centuries old alum method. After all, it is the end result that counts. Actually, I don't think that George is so much opposed to the method as he is in favor of other processes. He is not alone in that department. I prefer other methods too, but that is not to say the alum process is invalid.
As a matter of fact, I have 6 animals in the shop now done with alum tan by Old Dominion. The only reason alum bothers me is that it's not a stable tan. If you get careless or forget, you can wash the entire tan OUT of a hide. I've been known to have my head in dark places and just the possibility of that nags at me and I prefer, as Cur stated, alternative tans that last.
To answer the question about RE tanning, I defer to the knowledgeable words of Bruce Rittel who doesn't recommend it.
Thanks for your replies.
Do you mean there's a chance I can wash the tan out during the rinsing process or it could happen later if it gets wet?
How long do you estimate an alum tan will last? A few years?
How about alcohol and turpintine? Does that do a better job?
Susan-If you are new to tanning and want something simple to work with,liqua-tan is very stable and works well on small game up to deer sized capes,I have even done elk and bears with it but large animals require a little more care.There are dozens of tans on the market and taxidermists will always argue which is best,but why not make your life a little easier?All thats required is fleash,salt pickle and tan, there is no PH factors involed,no oiling,the oil is already in it,and theres little or noswelling of the cape after tanning,which results in good strech and a easier fit on your form!I got away from all those other tans,they are much to time consuming.For ten years I have been using this product for commercial mounts and competitions with no adverse affects.Alum is an antique,Try Liqua-Tan.Good luck!
George,
Am new to this tanning game. My father always hated alum on hides. He died when I was young and never passed down his recipe. I know it had 20 mule team borax and salt, in what ratio I don't know. I know there was more to the mix, but don't know what else was added. Can you give me some suggestions? I still have his hides after 20 years and they are as beautiful as the day he finished them. I would like to try and duplicate his success.Any suggestions would be appreciated.