I was working to tan a coyote skin and a family emergency arose just as I was finishing. To make a long story short, the skin dried hard. Is there any way to soften? I have some WASCO lubricating oil and Kwik-N-Eze tan available now or would be willing to order something else if it'll work. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
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Did you salt it? If so, no problem rehydrating it, a lot of taxidermists salt dry their skins hard, rehydrate in a strong brine solution, and then pickle and tan.
I have no experience with air dried skins,(unsalted) but products are sold to help relax them in the soak. Rittel's Ultrasoft? Or something.
You can hit the search button on the left and probably find the answer to you question as well. Good Luck.
I salt dried/rehydrated and then added the Kwik-N-Eze tanning solution. This is when I had to leave and was unable to stretch the hide to soften while tanning. So now I have a tanned hide that's as hard as a rock. I didn't see anything in the forum about softening after tanning... just wondering if anybody out there has tried it.
Thanks again
Rehydrate by sponging on water, working in, let sweat for a while, until it is plyable/rehydrated again. Oil with your favorite tanning oil, Liqua-soft, pro-plus etc. Pull by hand or work over the corner of a table when it starts to dry out, leatherizing it. Continue until fully dry.
Dan K
Just wanted to thank you guys for the help... greatly appreciated. I'll let you know how it turns out...