What would happpen if I put 2lbs of salt per 5 gal of water,when they ask to use 1lb?
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Supersaturated solutions (thats when the liquid is holding more of the solid that it can dissolve when cold) tend to leave salt residue on the skin and hair that will take extra rinsing to eliminate. I'm ASSUMING here, that you're talking about rehydrating a skin.
For a Salt Brine I always use 2 Lbs. of Salt to each 1 Gallon of Water. Other Tanners use 4 Lbs. of Salt per 1 Gallon of Water. Its super saturated - but works for rehydrating raw skins or capes before pickling!
Guys Im rehydrating a cape that is tanned and in dry state,from wildlife gallerys Michigan.Will there be problems.I just noticed my mistake after already soaking up 2 capes,which are sweating now.
I use the 2lbs. to the gallon, but getting it to dissolve can be intresting. Lots of stirring. Any hints on how to get to go faster?
Ron Z
Can't super-saturate it unless you heat it to boiling..add the salt..and then let it cool down. The salt will precipitate as crystals...nice big ones all over the hair.
Ron you could warm your solution slightly to get it to dissolve faster.
You'll be ok mike...
I guess I guessed it wrong! You dont relax a tanned cape or skin in a Salt Brine like I mentioned - that's for untanned raw dried skins! For tanned skins the safest soak is 4 Ozs. of salt/1 Gallon of water. Soak for 30 minutes - remove and place it in a plastic bag. Tie it off and refrigerate (not freeze) it overnight. The next morning it should be nice and relaxed.
It should be fine. Brian runs a very good tannery at The Wildlife Gallery. After sweating, I think you'll see what I'm referring to. They've made me a believer. Enjoy! And BTW, they're always happy to answer questions like these if you call them. Jeff F.
use a tannery that you don't have to use salt in the rehydration process?
Sounds like a lot of extra work.
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