I am experimenting with a hide, learning a bit about tanning. I started with an already salt dried cape.
(it had its ears torn off so its the perfect candidate for experimentation)
Since it was rock solid, I threw it in an acid pickle solution for about 5 days. I did a fleshing and threw it back in for another day. Next morning, I neutralized and dug out some McKenzie tan I had under the sink and realized, that I didnt have enough.(less than a 1/4 cup)
So now I have this experimental cape that is neutalized. I really dont want to have to start over again from the beginning if I can help it. I really worked hard on getting this right the first time. Now I am kicking myself for not checking the McKenzie bottle to begin with!
I already neutalized the pickle. My husband got mad when I told him what was in it. The thought of ANY acid in ANY form sitting in the bathroom made him nervous.
So i checked the Archives to see if there was anything I could do, like freezing it.
I cant seem to get a good direct answer.
Some say it is ok, if it is not neutralized. Other say that I should neutralize, but freeze it right away and tan it as soon as it is thawed, or it will slip.
I thought pickling was to STOP slippage and to kill bacteria that caused spoilage and slipping. I also thought it set the hair better.
If neutralizing the pickle causes the cape to be close to "green" again, what use is pickling in the first place before tanning? All the tans i have read about say that you HAVE to neutalize before tanning.
(All but Krowtan, where you dont have to pickle and I havenet used krowtan before)
So the million dollar question is "will freezing a pickled, yet neutalized hide cause any problems in the tanning process later?"
helpful suggestions would be appreciated! thanks!
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Gina,go ahead and put it in the freezer.Later when your tanning supplies get there,thaw it out and apply the tan to it.The tanning agent is acidic so it will penetrate,especially if you warm up the McKenzie tan .
Thanks John for the SUPER fast response! I really appreciate it! I will do so right away!