I've been reading thru the archives about carding wt's and haven't found really what I'm looking for so here goes..How long should I leave the carding on to show the muscle definition?I just removed the carding that I'd had on for about 2 weeks and now i see the holes in the skin from the pins used to hold the carding.Is there anyway to fix these holes?Next time should i card at all or just use hide nails?Your input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Smiley
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Use a good hide paste and it should eliminate the need for carding and pinning. I use Buckeye Hide Paste Supreme. Make sure your skin it not too tight fitting. Work it toward the jaw instead of the shoulders. These things should eliminate your problems. I haven't carded or brad nailed a deer in years. Good Luck.
That will take care of covering the holes
We will remove the carding after two or three days drying time, and with a fairly sharp-pointed tool push/pull the pinhole from both edges to close-up the hole. This works OK if you're using hide paste to mount with-if you add a couple of more days drying time before trying it. We use "Killer Glue", and the two to three day drying period is just right. Keep in mind that our building is heated, so you'd need to allow for the faster drying time because of this. Generally speaking, if the hide feels dry to the touch(slightly stiffening) try "pulling" the pinhole together to close it. I've had very little problem with the holes re-opening. If you check them a day-or-so after the first time you'll be able to figure the best time-frame for your shop. In carding the deer(not the ears),have you tried using screenwire(with clothespins)? It seems to speed-up the drying time. Hope this helps-Susan