I have an African collection of capes that were brought to me to be mounted. The capes are 2 years old and am haveing problems with some of the capes tearing when I pull on them to give them a stretch. One of them was like holding a piece of wet paper towel in my hands it tore so easily. Is there something I could add to the rehydration mixture to avoid this or are the capes in that bad of shape? I use Rittels rehydration mixture. Have never had a problem until I started working with these African capes. Any help will be appreciated!
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You didn't mention what species they were or whether they where already tanned or not. I know that there are some species that have a very thin hide. Klipspringers come to mind. But unless you are really bearing down on them you should still get some kind of strech without tearing.
Two years makes a tanned cape "OLD". Unless they were stored in a freezer, you will usually have a problem. Did you find out where they were tanned? If you know that you might be able to get to the tanner and find out their recommendations. If they were tanned in Africa they are most likely junk. I've never had any luck with anything shipped from there tanned. This is one of the reasons African work is priced so high. Do you have any experience with African mounts?