I'm fairly new to taxidermy, just doing it on the side. I feel like I have created some realy great mounts and my customers always seem extremly pleased. My method includes fleshing out the cape thoroughly, applying generous amounts of Dry Preservitive to it, and going immediately to the form with it. Is this wrong? I read about how some pickle, tan, give it a bath, oiling it, etc. Are these nessecary or should I keep truckin' like I have been. So far, I haven't had a mount to later turn bad or anything. Please give me some advice.
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Some people like DP and others like tanning. I use tanning on all the skins I mount, but I've also tried DP for some smaller mounts like squirrels. It's all a matter of personal opinion; If you like it, go ahead and keep on using the method.
I appretiate it. DP, to me, just seems soooo much easier. Thanks.
I use DP on all my mounts and the only thing I do different than what you described is wash the hide after fleshing (sometimes more than once) to remove any excess blood. I agree with Nina, it's all a matter of witch method fits you best. Good Luck!
Will you ever see a DP mount in a competition?
correction
I know for a fact that Ron Carter won with a DP mount and all the bird guys still win with DP. With all this miniature stuff and tweety birds and mice, I don't know how anyone would ever tell the difference anyway. It's the technique, not the process.
thanks George
....In a part of the country that has cold dry winters and warm humid summers, you will find out in a few years why I don't use DP for anything other than birds. The shrinking and swelling caused by major humidity changes will cause your heads to pull themselves apart, unless you use an epoxy hide paste.
Even for someone who used DP for many years, I have to agree with your statement. Epoxy hide paste is the only avenue of protection in my opinion as well.