I have two deer hide in my freezer. I need to know the best product and way to tan these two hides, to make throw rugs. What is the easiest procedures to do this?
Thank You
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Missy I will tell you what I do, but there are many ways and chemicals that can be used.
1) and most important is to flesh the hide, scrap off all you can.
2)-salt the hide,and leave it on for about 12 hours at least, wipe any moisture that the salt brings out of the hide.
3)Pickle the hide using the direction of the manufacturer of the pickle chemicals that you choose,leave it in the recommended time usually no less than 72 hours.
4) Neutralize the hide if required, once again follow the directions of the chemical manufacturer.
5)Tan the hide,once again follow the directions of the chemical manufacturer.
6)Oil the hide,once again follow the directions of the chemical manufacturer. After this the hide will need broken to make it soft. I have a wire strung out. I throw the hide over the wire and run it back and forth. Works well. I'm sorry that my directions aren't specific but it all depends on the chemicals that you use. I use the Basyn Tan D-L-E and have had wonderful results. I can't stress the importance of fleshing the hide correctly, salting the hide, and follow directions. Good Luck
I have been gathering info on the web and this site about tanning etc. I read that tanning deer hide with hair on is in the long term futile since the hollow hair will break off with any use. Is there some way of protecting the hair or is this just a fact of life for deer hair?
Depends what they are be used for. I have several that I've had for years as throw rugs and they held up well. I wouldn't use it as clothing. I don't know if I'd be concerned too much about it. Maybe it depends on the chemicals it was tanned with or stored at a low humidity?
My family taught me the way that they know best to keep the hair on the rug. First rmove meat and fat from edges of the hide. After this streach the hide on a piece of plywood using roofing nails. The hide should be very tight. Then remove all of the meat and flesh. This is best done with a filet knife. Make small slices through the meat to the skin. The make a slit under the edge and then pull the meat off. Next salt the hide. Once streached out pour aboout eight pounds of table salt on the hide. Rub it in good and be sure not to miss any places. Then let it sit at least 2 weeks. Wash the salt off with water and let dry. If you are only going to use it as a throw rug you are finished. If you are going to use it as clothing you will need to tan it with oil. Hope this helps you.