I am new to taxidermy and have an auto tanner. I have the oil that came with the tanner but I was told that there was some better oil to use then the stuff that came from steve. If anyone could shed some light on this for me I would appreciate it. Thanks Curt.
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Most any light tanning oil will work fine; but I do not recommend putting it in the tank as indicated in the directions that steve gives with the machine.
It can be difficult to clean out of the hair, especially on long haired capes; I quit doing that after my first elk!
When the tanning is completed, heat your oil and brush or rub it into the skin. Let it set for at least 4 hours, then freeze or mount.
I usually oil after tanning. I use our LO-306 Oil for the best results. I am not a great believer in oiling during the tan. In fact, very little oil is absorbed - so it really appears to be a waste of oil to me. I prefer oiling afterwards for good absorbtion.
I tried wd-40 once and it didn't work too well. 10-30 worked but was hard to get out of the hair. Drug cape behind my pick-up for a while down a gravel road and it seemed to take most of the oil off. Also, boy-butter works well but at times things can get a little out of hand and the next thing you know BAM - orgy. Good luck.