I would like to know how many times can you use the pickling solution (8 gallons at a time) before you have to make a new batch, when you are only working with one cape at a time?
Also I would like to know how does acid swell occur?
Any information or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks in Advance
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Normally I don't encourage reusing your pickle - but I know some Taxidermists living in the country with no city sewage like to limit their dumping.
If you feel you must reuse it - then I highly recommend you also have a Salinometer for testing its Salt strength and some PH papers for testing the PH level handy! Every time you remove a cape or skin you will draw away acid and salt from the solution. It must be replaced. Your PH for Saftee Acid should always read 1.5 or lower, Formic 2.2 or lower, Oxalic 1.5 or lower. For your Salinometer reading it should read 40% or higher.
Dont try to reuse it too much. Particularly if it becomes dirty. Using it 3 or 4 times is pushing it and you may find yourself playing adjustment games with it.
As for acid swell - its when an acidified skin is placed in a solution without the presence of salt to counteract it. Conequently it sucks up water until it swells. To correct it - plunge it into salt water immediately and usually within 15-20 minutes it will return to normal.
Thank you very much for your advice Bruce and I will try not to use it more than 3 times.
Appreciate your response.