I having trouble with some minor slippage on my whitetail capes. I've tanned 15 or so and on about 6 or 7 I've had minor slippage. Most of these where tanned with krowtann, however the last one I did I used a safetee-acid pickle and I had more minor slipping. My question is could it be the salt I'm using, the ingediedients are salt and free flow agent also on the bag it says, Salt(Nac1)min 98%,Salt(Nac1)max 99.90%? Also I mxed the pickel 3or4 days ahead of time, 1/2 fl oz. safetee-acid and 1lb of salt to every gallon of water, the ph was 1.0 for those 3 or 4 days, the ph of my well water is 6 or 7, when I put the cape in it rose to 1.3 or 1.5 never went above 1.5 I checked 2 or 3 times a day. Also i did not let the cape dry, I salted for 12or14 hours then put in pickle.
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I would let the cape dry longer to lock the hair in. I salt mine and let sit for one week before I pickle. before I put the cape in the pickle I put it in a relaxing bath to clean the hair and relax it before pickling.You don't have to mix the pickle that far in advance.
Rich had some good advice. One question I have though - do you shave your capes?
As far as the shrinkage and pull back upon the mount drying - I find that highly unusual - with any of the paint-on tans on the market. When you "final dry" - do you let it dry normally or do you use hot air on it? If you use hot air, you may be driving out the oil part of the paint on tan.
As far as question 1 - I suggest contacting Knoblochs about their product. I'm sure they would be willing to answer this question.
Question 2 - This one sounds like you should talk with Ozark Woods. I'm also sure they provide customer service on their products as well.
Question 3 - Brain Tanning is a primitive method using the animals brains and hot water. The mixture is rubbed into the flesh to preserve it - and later, the skin is smoked to give it a creasote protective layer. Nice leather when done right. It's also a lot of work.
This is what happens when you are on your computer and get distracted! Instead of an answer - you got a "paste" reply to a recent e-mail! Forgive the error and let me try one more time.
I think Rich hit it on the head with his answer. Let the cape have time to tighten up and snug the hair roots. Even if you have to rehydrate - its better than having to lose a cape.
Your well water is the same as mine (6.8 PH), and the PH levels for your pickle all seem very normal. It has got to be in your preparation. Even the Salt is basically the same. All Salt nowadays has a "de-clumping" agent mixed in - but it wont cause slippage. It's usually called "Pruissate of Soda".
Again - I apologize for the above Post. I was on this computer and some Family problems distracted me enough to hurry and not check what I'd posted before I submitted it.