what is the best way to re hydrate a wet tanned deer cape to get a little more stretch out of it ? and should i worry about hair slippage ?
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If you have a "wet tanned" cape you should not need to rehydrate it! Some have used fabric softener on "dry tanned" capes.
I just do not see the point of getting a "little" more stretch.
if you alter the form as needed or order the right size in the first place, you don't need a little more stretch. Besides deer that have the "stuffed sausage" look, look like crap.
Maybe Superpig can give some advice on how to get a little more stretch out of a cape, She had a post some time back about getting more stretch with fabric softener.
Joe
paint the water on the flesh side of the cape, I use those cheap china bristle brushes, but anyway just paint the water on and allow it to set a few minutes. if the hide is still a bit on the acid side this will relax it. YOu have to watch it very close or it will cause the cape to slip.
FLESH SIDE ONLY.
cause a tanned cape to slip? Once the cape is turned to leather by tanning the bacteria factor is no longer a factor for hair slip. I would be more worried about weakening the leather by adding baking soda. I have used baking soda by sprinkling a light dusting on the wet leather side of a cape and let it set for 20 minutes prior to placing it on the form. I've used this method on occassion when my prefit was slightly tight and it does help loosen up the leather a bit.
As for a wet tanned cape just soak it for 15 minutes in luke warm water. Sometimes they get a little dry and need the hydration.