I have a Mule Deer cape that still has some stiff edges.
It has been Liquatanned hard, and wire wheel machined down.
I am confident that this cape is a good one, salted, pickled properly. So now I finally have time to mount it.
But I am a bit worried about the amount of time that it has been rehydrating. Overnight in a tub of water with some good antibacterial.
And now its out of the bath, wrapped up n a plastic bag waiting for it to soften up through out. Tomorrow will be day 3, is this too long ? It still smells OK and no slip as yet. to add to things, the maniquin is about 2-3 inches or so too big around in the neck area, so another half day to one day will be needed for maniquinn alterations.Maybe I can streatch the cape when I'm stitching it up. Or should I freeze this cape 'til I am ready to mount it ?
GPo
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That's a dangerous overkill, but if it survived that, I'd STILL recommend that you sweat it in a refrigerator. That way your time frame stands a decent chance.
GPo, You don't have much choice other than to wait- but for next time, here's what I think. "Normal" deer capes rehydrate over night in a bag and don't require soaking (some soak the ears and mouth area). I think this cape was not properly thinned as it seems to not have taken on the liquatan. I think you have a cape that is largely green and rehydrating could take several days. If the thin areas have softened, yet the scalp/neck has not this would indicate a thickness problem. If the briskit area is still not softened then for sure you don't have a tan of any description. I would advise to always thin completely all capes especially if you will then dry them. Better plan is to freeze and avoid the rehydration altogether, or plan to mount soon as the liquatan step is done and save freezer space as well. Just my opinion- enjoy, Aaron H.