I have purchased saftee acid and lutan f and was curious about the procedures. I have instructions for the acid but nothing on the tan or what type of oils to use etc.. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated
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55 gal water
1 lbs salt per gal
3 3/4 lbs lutan f for a 55 u.s. gal barrel
then use the orange button
LUTAN-F TANNING PROCEDURES
Step 1. If the cape is dirty or bloody, wash cape in cold water with 1/2 oz. Skin Prep. Rinse cape thoroughly and tumble or towel dry. Hair that is left wet may result in hair slippage.
Step 2. The lips, nose, and eyelids should be split and the ears turned. Remove as much meat as possible from the skin for better salt penetration.
Step 3. Salt the cape. Cover the entire flesh side with non-iodized salt for 24 hours. After 24 hours, shake off old salt and apply fresh salt for another 24 hours.
Step 4. Rehydrate the cape. For 1 average deer cape, use 2 gallons of cool water. Soak until the cape returns to a soft, pliable state (usually in 2 to 6 hours).
Step 5. Soak the cape in the acid (pickle) solution. For 1 average deer cape, use 2 gallons of water, 3 cups of salt and approximately 1 oz. Acid Bath Crystals. The pH of this solution should be between 1.5 and 2. The cape should remain in this solution for a total of 24 hours. During this time, the pH of the solution should be tested. If the pH rises above 3, add more Acid Bath Crystals to lower it back down to 2.
Step 6. Shave the cape on a fleshing machine. Remove the cape from the acid bath and thin the flesh side of the skin to an even thickness throughout. Place the shaved cape back into the pickle for an additional 3 hours.
Step 7. To neutralize the cape, first remove the cape from the pickle and drain. Mix 1 oz. of baking soda per gallon of water and allow the skin to soak in this solution for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the thickness of the skin.
Step 8. Remove from the neutralization solution and briefly rinse the hair in cool water. Damp dry the skin by towel drying, spin drying or using compressed air.
Step 9. Weigh the skin. For each 1 lb. of skin add 1 dry weight ounce of Lutan F and 1 cup of salt per 3 quarts of room temperature water (70° to 80°). The pH of the tanning (Lutan F) solution should be between 3.5 and 4. Maintain the pH by adding small amounts of acid to lower it or baking soda to raise it.
Step 10. Allow the skin to soak for 24 hours for coyotes, foxes, etc.. Deer, moose and elk require 48 hours. Move the skin occasionally to ensure contact with the tan.
Step 11. Remove the skin and rinse briefly (just enough to remove the salt), towel dry, spin dry or hang up and allow the skin to drain.
Step 12. Oil the tanned skin with WASCO Soft Tan or other tanning oil. For best penetration, shake well and warm oil to 90° to 100°F before applying to the skin. Apply an even coat of Soft Tan to the flesh side. Particular attention should be given to the head areas, including ear butts, nose and eyes, where the oil should be applied to both sides.
Step 13. Allow the oil to penetrate for 2 to 3 hours. Some oil will "puddle) on the surface of the skin. Rub any excess oil into the hide.
Step 14. Wipe off any oil that still puddles, then hang the skin on a drying rack for 2 or 3 days. The drying time will vary according to temperature, humidity and the thickness of the skin. The skin will turn white when it has completely dried.
Step 15. After the skin has dried, tumble or drum the skin in sawdust for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Midway through the drumming period, turn all parts of the skin hair side out to be sure all the hair or fur is cleaned and fluffed. Brush any tangles and blow out all the saw dust with compressed air.
Step 16. Rehydrate the skin for mounting. Use enough water to fully cover the skin. Add 1 cup of salt per 5 gallons of water and soak the skin overnight.
Step 17. Remove the skin from the solution and remove as much water as possible either by spinning dry or hanging to drain. The skin is now ready to mount.
i believe after 24 hrs you loose stretch, why dont they change the directions?