Submitted by Scott on 3/12/1999. ( scottstaxidermy@webtv.net )
I was wondering if I could get some input on what you thought of the way I pickle and tanned my hides.When I am all done fleshing I salt the hide for 2 hrs.next I rinse the skin in cool lysol water Step2. I mix a solution of salt and aluminum sulphate and submerge the skin for 2hrs.Step3. Then I neutrilize the skin in baking soda and borax for about 30 minutes then I spin out the water let the skin dry for 2hrs. the apply LIQUA TAN for 12Hrs. then mount! I have had very good sucess with this but often wondered if it was the right way? any feedback would be apreciated thanx Scott
This response submitted by Keith Daniels on 3/12/1999. ( arlcape@bright.net )
Scot, you're doing O K, but I think you need to slow down a little. Thin skins will probably be alright with just 2 hours salt, but for thicker ones you should probably leave them over night.
You are also a little quick on the pickle. Two hours is not enough for the pickle to do the job intended, basically break down the non tannable protiens and ready the sites to accept the tan. Aluminum Sulphate will work as a pickle, since it's acidic, but I think you'll get a better pickle if you use one of the other pickling agents on the market, and plan on leaving them fo 48 to 72 hours.
You don't need the borax in your neutralizing, just the baking soda.
Keith
This response submitted by MARK on 3/12/1999. ( knoblochs@worldnet.att.net )
Scott, Keith is right, slow your process down just a little.
What I recommend is to salt the hides twice in 48 hours. Some
will just salt once for 24 hours.
2. Then rinse in a rehydration bath water salt and lysol,is
fine.
3.If you like to use Iron free aluminum sulfate in your
pickle thats ok too just mix
1oz aluminum sulfate
1oz Bascal S
1lb salt
lysol or Basacryl NBKU
ALL THIS TO EACH GALLON OF WATER....
4.Like Keith said pickle for atleast 48 hours to break down
the non-tannable proteins.
5.Neutralize skins in just baking soda or neutralex-AL alone
approx 1 table spoon per gallon for 30 min. Ph 4.5 to 5.0
6.Pull out of neutralization then rinse and spin water out
and let dry for 2 hrs thats fine.
7.Then heat up LIQUA TAN till its warm then apply it to
the skin and let sit for 12 hours before mounting or 4 days
before washing it if needed.
I'm glad that you have had great success &good luck!!
Let me know if you need any more help
Mark
knoblochs@worldnet.att.net
This response submitted by MARK on 3/12/1999. ( knoblochs@worldnet.att.net )
Scott, Keith is right, slow your process down just a little.
What I recommend is to salt the hides twice in 48 hours. Some
will just salt once for 24 hours.
2. Then rinse in a rehydration bath water salt and lysol,is
fine.
3.If you like to use Iron free aluminum sulfate in your
pickle thats ok too just mix
1oz aluminum sulfate
1oz Bascal S
1lb salt
lysol or Basacryl NBKU
ALL THIS TO EACH GALLON OF WATER....
4.Like Keith said pickle for atleast 48 hours to break down
the non-tannable proteins.
5.Neutralize skins in just baking soda or neutralex-AL alone
approx 1 table spoon per gallon for 30 min. Ph 4.5 to 5.0
6.Pull out of neutralization then rinse and spin water out
and let dry for 2 hrs thats fine.
7.Then heat up LIQUA TAN till its warm then apply it to
the skin and let sit for 12 hours before mounting or 4 days
before washing it if needed.
I'm glad that you have had great success &good luck!!
Let me know if you need any more help
Mark
knoblochs@worldnet.att.net
This response submitted by Janie on 3/13/1999. ( )
I always neutralize mine in borax I have been reading about the
baking soda do you think this is better and more economical?
This response submitted by SCOTT on 3/14/1999. ( )
JANIE, I USE 3 OZ.OF baking soda to each gallon of water, I been pleased with it. I have neutralized about a 90 capes that way. I buy the baking soda at Bj's a wholesale store.Works for me! Good luck, Scott