In my biology class we recently disected cats and I was especially careful in the skinning so as to have a perfect hide. Now that the cat is skinned I would like to tan the hide instead of just throwing it away. How does one tan a hide that has foul-smelling embalming fluids soaking it? I want to leave the fur on, but I don't want the smell. How can I work the hide enough so it it soft, smooth, and clean? Please keep in mind that I'm only 15 so I have niether money nor experience. Thank you very much for you help.
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By the way, I live on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio, so if there happens to be a tannery around here somewhere please let me know. Thanks again!
Alex
Youcould live right next door to a tannery but if you got no money, it wont do you any good. The skin you have after soaking in enbalming fluids and such, probably will not take a tan. as it is already saturated with another chremical.
Formalin (-aldehyde) is one of the finest tannages there is. Tom Voyer is a smart guy but... he dropped the ball this time.
Your cat is already tanned. You can boil this type of tan, I am told. I bet the skin on the underside is yellow?
All you have to do is oil it with tanning oil, and break it or stretch it, and you'll have a great dead cat. You still can not sell it legally, you can just keep it around for fun.
Thanks, " - ", your input is much appreciated. Now that I know my hide is tanned, how do i get rid of the formaldehyde smell? Should I scrape it, sun-dry it, and then work it? I want this to be something that would be pleasent to have around the house. Thanks.
Formaldehyde is often used used as a "re-tan" to enhance a previously tanned skin and make it more durable. It cannot be called a full tan. And - if you call it a tan - you will be disappointed! By itself it wil produce a very tight and difficult to soften skin.
Tan it like you normally would any skin. It's more than likely that the smell (from the embalming fluids) will be diluted in the process. However - the skin will be stiffer than usual due to the aldehyde fixation.