how to use borax?

Submitted by alan on 9/20/04 at 5:09 AM. ( ) 62.252.192.5

i am a beginner and am wondering how to use borax?

?

This response submitted by Frank E Kotula on 9/20/04 at 5:28 AM. ( basswtrout@aol.com ) 172.141.81.112

We need to know what are you planing to use it on. This product is and can be used in every form of taxidermy. I wouldn't advise it on any fured animals but it's used mainly is fish and bird taxidermy.

Fur creatures

This response submitted by Laurie on 9/20/04 at 6:51 AM. ( ) 62.253.248.93

Sir,

What is the detrimental affect of using Borax on fur? Books I have read actually stipulate the use of Borax on a fur pelt.

Thank you kindly

Frank, now you've done it

This response submitted by George on 9/20/04 at 8:03 AM. ( georoof@aol.com ) 152.163.100.196

Borax is often considered the same as Dry Preservative (DP) and serves that purpose, but is not the same. Borax is a dirivative from the element BORON. It is hydrated sodium borate OR the salt from boric acid. (DP contains borax but it also contains talc, alum, and several other products to insure fast drying of the hide.) It actually "sweetens" flesh and skin when applied to hides and will repel insects. It's great for preserving hides from insect infestations and as anyone who owns beetle colonies knows, will kill bugs on contact. It is a superb product for protecting furred skins.

The down side,however, is that it is NOT a tanning agent and because of it's natural chemical nature has a tendency to attract and dispell water. Unless an epoxy hide paste is used on a mount, this reaction will likely cause drumming and cracking of the thinner membranes of skin. DP has been used successfully in taxidermy for years and is still a mainstay of bird taxidermy. Many people eschew using it on mammal skins because of the inherent qualities of drumming and cracking. Personally, I don't think the fur looks as bright and shiny on DP'd animals as when tanned and oiled properly, but I continue to use it on most animals up to the coyote size. A DP mount will always survive a dermistid attack while a tanned hide will be destroyed. It's just a choice a taxidermist makes and these are just MY opinions. You make up your own.

Thank you

This response submitted by Laurie on 9/20/04 at 8:22 AM. ( ) 62.253.248.93

Dear Sir,

thank you for the response, it is very informative and I understand th whole concept that you have described. I am fairly new to taxidermy and I appreciate the help from the Forum.

Kindest regards

thankyou for the reply's

This response submitted by alan on 9/20/04 at 11:05 AM. ( ) 62.252.192.5

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