Submitted by Rick on 4/22/99. ( )
I plan on doing my taxidermy work in my garage or building in my back yard. I live down south where it is very hot in the summer(not to mention humid). I have never seen anything that says the optmal temperature for doing your work. Can anybody help me with this situation? Thanks in advance!
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This response submitted by John C on 4/22/99. ( )
Mid 70's just like everywhere else. Things spoil very fast in the heat. Just grin and bear that old electricity bill.
John C
This response submitted by John Bellucci on 4/22/99. ( ArtistExpr@aol.com )
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Hey Rick,
I've reprinted something here about the optimal climate for mounts, from an earlier thread. I thought this might be helpful!
If I'm not mistaken, the "ideal" range for a mount would be between 65
and 72 degrees, with a humidity level of 30-40% humidity.
Personally, I am very "reactive" to this type of climactic thing and to
me, if I'm comfortable with the climate, the mounts should be okay! This
is a real concern in my mind as I plan for our first trip to Africa. I
know the hot days are going to be uncomfortable for me, but the cool
nights will be heaven!
The biggest problem with a mount that is exposed to the extremes of
weather related humidity and temperature fluctuations, is the softening
and re-drying of the hide of the mount. This is also called the
expansion and contraction of the hide. This in itself is not a good
thing.
Combine this with the additional problem of the skin absorbing moisture
thus reacting in an adverse way with whatever salts may be in the
leathered hide, as well as the possible "oxidation" of a hide tanned
with an aluminum sulphate tan. In extreme cases, this will cause a
conversion to a sulfuric acid which will weaken the structure of the
skin. This is referred to as "dry-rot". Again, this is in EXTREME cases.
Part of a good hedge against this, besides good temperature/humidity
control, is regular "maintenance" of the mount. The best thing to do, is
to prevent the accumulation of dust on the mount. A healthy layer of
dust is unhealthy for the mount, in that it can allow for the
"holding-in" of moisture within this layer.
Once a week or so, carefully vacuum the mount using a dusting-brush
attachment, going with the growth of the hair or fur. Do not press down
too hard on the coat - you don't want to drive the dust down into the
coat of the mount.
Following this, I spray a light mist of a store-brand version of "Lemon
Pledge" onto the coat, let it sit a couple of seconds, then wipe it off
with a white terrycloth "detailing" towel.
This will remove any dust the vacuum missed, as well as imparting a nice
sheen to the coat of the mount.
Needless to say, if the mount is in a smoke-filled environment, no
amount of regular maintenance will keep it from eventually discoloring
to a nicotine-induced shade of sickly yellow!
That being said, I hope this has shed some light on this issue for you.
Too Dry Can Be Too Bad...
Yes, it is a pretty "ify" thing - trying to keep the atmosphere in a
home "just right" - to quote baby bear:)
In a climate that is too dry, the oils in the hide can literally be
"sucked" out of the hide, creating cracks and splits.
This is very often the case with mounts kept in a smoked-in area. The
dry smoke will have the same affect on the hide, besides the awful
discoloration.
A good "medium" range is what I try to produce. We can only try our
best. Later, and best regards... John B.
This response submitted by Rick on 4/22/99. ( )
Thanks so much for your responses. Your unselfish help is greatly appreciated for someone trying to get started.I hope ya'll answer more questions in the future.
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