Okay so I sent a few capes out to have commercially tanned. I have since bought a flesher, and John Rineharts Tanning Solution. I just took a cape out of the freezer which I tanned about a week ago. I have never used this stuff, but was told the hide will take on a whitish appearance. It does have that appearance, but there are spots that look "fresh" too. Meaning they still have that blue tinge from when it was shaved. I proceeded to apply more of this stuff just to be on the safe side. I was wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction with the JRTS. I don't want to mount it and end up with an issue. Should the entire cape appear white or are there spots that do not have a color change?
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How long did you let the cream work before you froze the hide ? I have been using Rineharts cream for years and have had no problems. I always let the hide cream for at least 8 hours. If the hide was in the freezer for a long time before you tanned,the blue spots you mention may be freezer burned areas.I have done a few over the years that have had such spots with no ill effect.The extra coat of cream you applied won't hurt but may not have been necessary. You can always tell the cream has pennetrated and done its job because it will actually penatrate the hide to the hair side.
I allowed it to sit for 12 hours before the freezer.
If you tanned for 12 hours you shouldn't have a problem. Like I said ,I have been using this product for years with no problems,and I can tell you my first deer were shaved less then perfect.Without seeing the hide I can't really say for sure what the blue is,but I wouldn't sweat it. Like I have said in past posts I don't even pickle,unless I am not sure of the freshness and care of the hide.
I know this cape was shaved 100%. It turns out that when I wash them prior to mounting...the skin turns white. Guess I worried for nothing! Thanks again.