I have been debating with another taxidermist over the benefit of adding an acid to a pickle solution.
In Sally Dahmes book she just adds salt and a bacterial suppressor.
Thats all my friend does as well and he says hes never had a problem with his hides.
So what gives ?
Why must you add an acid?
Can anyone give me a technical explanation?
Thanks in advance!
Return to Tanning Category Menu
Lets remember tanning along with taxidermy has come a long ways.
Here is what I see the pickle doing.
It plumps the hide.
Allow the acid into the pores destroying the protiens.
Washes out much remaining fats.
It sets up the base for tannins to attach to. Most tanning chemicals to include tannic acid (where the noun turns to a verb). Work better at a pH of around 4.5 to 5.
A salt brine which is what I used in the 70's and early 80's, (I tolearned it from Sally) does nothing but plump the hide. It leaves salt in the hide which wdoes draw moisture, can even mildew and cause a nasty stink for a month or so.
John has some good points for you - however - adding acid to a salt solution has several benefits! #1 - it plumps and firms the skin for excellent shaving - which you dont get in simply a salt brine. It also allows you more leeway in terms of when you have time to work with the skin or cape. With a salt brine normally you can soak your skins or capes 24-48 hours without any problems - more - you start to get problems! With a pickle - I have test samples that have been pickled for 10-16 months. All it takes is stirring them every other day and checking the PH periodically. To me, a pickle is safer than freezing!
.