We recently purchase the auto tanner and are experimenting with the various tans available. There is some confusion(in my mind) about the amount of water used. For a batch of 17lbs of wet cape, is it correct that I need 17oz LutanF, 17lbs salt, and 17 gallons of water? I called Van Dykes last night and they told me to use just enough water to cover the hides, but then isn't my tan solution too strong and I risk over tanning? If in fact it is necessary to use 17 gallons of water, that's an incredible amount of discharge!
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Ken's Custom Taxidermy
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In the Auto Tanner or a Wet Drum - you use a "short" (or less water then you would for static vat tanning) float!
The correct formula would be - for every 1 Lb. of skin weight, use 1 Quart of Water, 3 Ozs. of Salt, and 1 Oz. of Lutan F (N)! In your case - you would mix 4 1/4 Gls. of Water, 3.2 Lbs. of Salt and 17 Ozs. of Lutan F (N). Obviously - this is a case where you use less Water - but you must still use the same amount of chemicals.