I have never delt with commercial tans, and a customer just brought in a mule Deer cape that had been commerially tanned. It has been broken down and is very soft. Do I have to rehydrate to mount ? I feel like I should, I'm sure I should, just don't want to mess it up !
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.....Ask the customer WHEN it was tanned and WHO tanned it? When I receive anything tanned from a customer they HAVE to be able to answer those questions or I won't accept the job. They also have to sign a waver stating that they take full responsibility for the cape being mountable. I've seen (and bought a few things) that fell apart when they were rehydrated. Even the best of tans have a limited shelf life.
To answer your question, YES it does have to be rehydrated, That should be done in accordance to the instructions from the tanner that did the tanning.
Don't know who tanned it, but the tan is less than two years old. The taxidermist that had it was about to mount it when the customer picked it up. I'll give it a shot, and if it falls apart I'll get a replacement. Thanks !