What is the best pickling agent?

Submitted by Matt T. on 10/24/2002. ( ldsidahoinmatt@hotmail.com ) 65.239.51.228

I heard that sulfuric acid (the strong stuff is the best) ? But it is dangerous? What sould I consider?

Thanks^^^^

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I like the WASCO pickling crystals, they work very well.

This response submitted by John C on 10/24/2002. ( ) 64.216.172.90

and it dont take much of them to drop the pH. They are not as harsh on furs as Sulfuric acid. I have used Sulfuric acid and it will damage hair.

I have hides in the Bath Crystals for nearly three years and they seem fine (my stuff never gets worked on) anyway. Some people use citric acid and it to works, but I think, just my opinion, since its a food substance there could be edible protins left in the skin.


Check Saftee Acid

This response submitted by Ret Soor on 10/24/2002. ( retsornj1@hotmail.com ) 204.186.210.134

from Rittel's Tanning Supply. It does a great job and is mild to the skin and fur. Check the list of suppliers for Rittel's e-mail.
Good Luck.


Another yeah for Saftee-Acid

This response submitted by Leanna on 10/24/2002. ( scardeer@cornernet.com ) 207.195.212.52

Great results and very easy to work with. Then try the EZ100 submerge tan by Rittel's as well. Both are tops.

I started with the sulfuric acid...worked beautiful but I never liked it in my shop, (dangerous?....yyyyyyuh) so I switched to the crystals. Wasn't satisfied. Tried citric acid.....not TOO bad, then I homed in on the Saftee-Acid. I've never went further on my pickling quest. It rocks.


Forgot I used Formic Acid as well

This response submitted by Leanna on 10/24/2002. ( ) 207.195.212.52

Talk about dangerous! Seemed even scarier than the sulphuric. Again the formic worked beautifully but I wasn't comfortable with it in the vicinity of me. Saftee-Acid doesn't burn your lungs when mixing it neither. That's a plus.


Leanna, Where the hell are your gloves?

This response submitted by George on 10/24/2002. ( georoof@aol.com ) 152.163.189.67

What do you mean "it doesn't burn your hands when you mix it"? ACID IS ACID. A pH of 1.0 or 2.0 WILL BURN YOU. Some are just slower reactive than others, but ALL acids (along with their counter egos, the "bases") should be handled with both rubber gloves and respirators.


George I wear my damn gloves!

This response submitted by Leanna on 10/24/2002. ( scardeer@cornernet.com ) 207.195.212.55

It's just hard getting the gloves on my lungs.

I have to say, IN SCHOOL, the instructor never had us wearing respirators for the Formic Acid mix.....until I did it ONCE. I learn quick!

So George? It's no wonder I love you! LOL


Saftee Acid

This response submitted by Mike Dunbar on 10/25/2002. ( ) 64.91.85.163

Saftee Acid seems to be the most economical and most safe to use. Be sure to check the pH often when using it, at least daily and always before and 1 hour after adding capes. Disposal is also not a problem with it. Sulfuric is wicked stuff, spills can occur and with saftee acid, baking soda and water will neutralize your problem fast enough, it works great and is economical. I also used citric acid, and it also worked well and was safe to use.


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