I just got back my first commercially tanned deer cape....The cape I sent them was 23 inches at the McKenzie B measurment....When I got it back (Dry tanned) it was only bout 18 or 19 inches. I'm like OMGosh I didn't think it would shrink this much. Is this normal? Will I get it back to 23 inches after I rehydrate it?
Could someone please tell me how I need to go about rehydrating a commercially tanned deer cape? Thanks a lot..
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Yes this is normal on a dry tan. After you do the rehydrating process all should be fine.
Now to rehydrate a hide use a hand full of salt 4oz. to a gallon of water. Then add a cap full of downey to the water. Soak the hide for about 20 minutes, drain, fold it in a plastic bag and place it in the fridge over night. By the next day your hide should be rehydrated, if not repeate the process.
Being your a real beginner here take your time and be careful with the whole process of mounting. Also I would double check your measurements before you order a manikin for the cape. Nothing wrong in double checking.
I would suggest calling the tannery where the cape was tanned and ask directly from them how to rehydrate. I have seen that different tanneries have different methods that work best with their tans. Good luck!