I did not shave hide well enuogh. When i tried to put on manikin it was way too small! I had to shave in down plenty more to fit. Now that it fits can I put it on manikin or do I have to apply tanning cream again for a couple of hours 1st. Previously I had tanned the cape for 4-6 hours then was in frezzer for a month.. THANKS for the help!
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It should be OK, but if you're worried about it, it might be worth the peace of mind to paint some on. Next time, do a better job and eliminate these worries. LOL
hopefully I will be there (better) someday. I will paint a little on to ease my mind. Thanks again! Pete
I use rheinharts tanning cream and always reshave the hide after tanning,because I find the hide shaves much easier.The cream penetrates the hide right through to the hair and seems to tighten the hide for easier shaving.I have mounted deer over twelve years old and see no problems with this method. Before someone writes why not shave after the pickle,I have never pickled one of my mounts.
Tom,
I am new at this and I have always used the pickle with good results and then tan. This is the first time I have heard of this method but if it works it should save time and mess. Do you still salt hide twice during the first week, let dry, and then put cream on? Do you rehydrate after salting then put cream on? This is very interesting. Thanks for any input.
Chris
Chris,
I follow the directions that come with the tanning cream and also how John Rinehart did it in one of his videos.I only salt once for 24 hours,then wash in Dawn det.,spin dry ,then tan. The hide was only fleshed of all red meat and fat before this process,I then shave for detail after the tan cream does its job (for 8 hours).I rechecked my records and my oldest deer done this way is 14 years old and still looks fine. No hair loss,cracking ,or any problems. To be fair I must tell you I only do taxidermy for my own family and friends strictly for pleasure,doing about 12 to 15 shoulder mounts a year.I know how every animal was cared for after the kill,usually caped ,shaved,and refridgerated while still steaming with its own body heat within hours of death. If your not sure of the care I would recommend the double salt and the pickle for your own peace of mind.
Thank you for the info, I think I will try this method because it seems quicker and less mess and if nothing else it will give me the experience of another method to compare. Chris