Correct Lutan instructions

http://prismadye.com/Files/TDS/EN/LUTAN%20FN.pdf

http://knoblochs.com/lutanf.html

To each gallon of water add 10oz of salt. Use only enough solution for the skins to move freely. Water should be 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add to the above salt solution: Example: on 10 lbs. shaved, drained weight of skin
10% Lutan F 10% Lutan F = 1 lb. (16oz)
1% Bascal S 1% Bascal S = 1.6 oz
1% Sodium Formate 1% Sodium Formate = 1.6 oz

Once skins have soaked overnight, raise pH to 5.0 by using baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate). COPY & PASTE from old KNOBLOCHS SITE

These are good instructions! Why?( I know, no one needed my approval LOL) They are IN LINE with the MFG instructions as much as could be, for Taxidermy tanning. KNOBLOCH'S was around before many of us were born, and they used to be the front runner in supplies and information available for the Taxidermist doing their own tanning, and were also involved in providing tech support and products for quite a few Tannery's still in business today. Basically, any chemical need for Taxidermy, from start to finish, they have offered it. They knew their stuff!

Understanding these instructions:
1. We know Lutan is a mineral(aluminum)based tan. Mineral based tans are CATIONIC-positive charged. Mineral based tans are attracted to acidic collagen.

2. Bascal S- What is it? MSDS says it is a carboxylic acid, with a pH of 2. ( formic is a carboxylic acid-use it instead)

3. Sodium formate- in this case, it is used as a masking agent. What is that? A masking agent SLOWS(not speeds up) down the CATIONIC reaction and allows the tannage(Lutan) to remain in a microscopic, easy to penetrate, particle size. Why? To allow for a slow, CONTROLLED penetration. This prevents surface tanning.

Being what I believe to probably be the single most used tan of the Taxidermy industry, why are there so many different instructions floating around out there. There is CLEARLY no neutralization step used, EXCEPT for the final pH adjustment, which causes the tan to "fix" (lock on) and provide a good pH for the long term. Who is right here?? Are there half dozen sets of directions for everything else? Make it easy, and they will come. I don't see a bunch of anal retentive pH checks in those instructions?

 

Re: Lutan AGAIN!

Isn't it about time for a new Lutan tutorial??

 

There are some pretty sound instructions above..Have a good one Tim! Maybe we can talk again soon?