recently got my bison cape back from the tannery. Really large and heavy. How do i go about rehydrating the cape before the mounting process and will the thick cape soften up enough to make it easier. help needed..
The best way to rehydrte the hide is to contct the tannery and ask them what method works best with their hides. It may take a day or two in the fridge after you soak it to complete the process but it will soften up.
The best way I have found to rehydrate a cape of that size is to get
how ever many towels...whatever you may have...to completely cover the
skin side of the cape. Then take them and get then fairly wet...place
on the skin side of the form...making sure that the area from the ears
forward is well covered...put it in a large plastic bag and put all of
it in a fridge. Check it periodically...when it is completely rehydra
-ted...either freeze it or mount it.
Hope this helps you.
ken
I forgot to tell you something...after you place the towels on the
hide...roll up the hide hair side out and roll it up head first.
Ken Wampner