liqua tan stretch

I continually hear from other taxidermist that (use dry preservative) they order a form a half inch or an inch bigger than the measurement they get behind the ears over the hair before caping the head out.

I tan my hides by salt twice, pickle, shave, and liqua tan.

I measure around the neck behind the ears after removing the cape. I measure the meat left after caping.

I still sometimes find it difficult to get the tanned cape to fit a form that I order for the measurements I have taken. Even after I put it in water for about 20 mins and then stretch as best I can.

How is it possible that they are doing what they say and why would my capes be so difficult at times.

John

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OK Now this is the secret to your success for

the rest of your taxidermy life. Rehydrate your skins, capes before tanning. Rehydrate to original size...BEFORE tanning. Ok. Again. Rehydrate (before) tanning in a water, hand full of salt, soak. Three hours soak after salting step and up t0 24 hrs for your for dried capes or skins.

So here it is again. Rehydrate your skins before tanning. OK

not shure but

dont use dp, but i think a raw cape will stretch much more than a tanned one. dont know though i have never mounted a raw cape. i tan my hides same as you and i also have to really stretch em sometimes, other times they slide right on.
lee

Rehydrate....

After I salt twice they soak in an acid pickle for four days I would think they were hydrated about as much as possible. I then take them out shave and tan? If I need more hydration what should I do.

Thanks, John

go back to my original post

Rehydrate before the acid. Rehydration does not happen in acid pickle because of salt content. You will get shunken skins! OK, so again rehydrate before tanning, which means acid pickle and whatever tanning chemical you use.

did you neutralize cape in baking soda after the pickle

if you didnt then there's your problem after pickle neutralize the cape in 1/2 cup baking soda and 3 gallons of water for around 20 to 30 min then you tan i usally do this after i shave the skins.if you dont neutralize the pickle acid the hides will stay stiff.

Charles

I do neutralize I just forgot to mention it. Sorry

Thanks, John