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Tanned a skunk/still smells

Discussion in 'Tanning' started by Toolfactory, Apr 25, 2018.

  1. Apr 25, 2018 #1
    Toolfactory

    Toolfactory New Member

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    4
    ive looked for an answer for this and haven't found exactly what I'm looking for. The skunk is already tanned, I sprayed it down with fabreeze but it didn't work and it still stinks. Also the fabreeze made the leather stiff, and the fur chunky and less soft. Hope that didn't do anything bad. From not on I'm going to save myself the trouble and just wash them with shampoo before I rehydrate

    Any info would be appreciated
     
  3. Apr 25, 2018 #2
    Tanglewood Taxidermy

    Tanglewood Taxidermy Well-Known Member

    10,823
    11,889
    dallas oregon
    Taxidermy supply companies sell products that they claim to eliminate skunk oder. Did you degrease it?
     

  5. Apr 26, 2018 #3
    Frank E. Kotula

    Frank E. Kotula master, judge, instructor

    3,792
    1,881
    wilkes barre
    What was your whole process.
    Never had an issue with them smelling. It usually goes away after a pickle.
     
  6. Apr 26, 2018 #4
    Toolfactory

    Toolfactory New Member

    28
    4
    I fleshed, salted for two or three days, rehydrated with a degreaser added in the mix, pickled for three or so days with citric acid and another degreaser, neutralized and then tanned. Pretty much Trubond instructions for bear and small game to the T-
     
  7. Apr 26, 2018 #5
    John C

    John C Well-Known Member

    16,976
    1,205
    Between South Africa and America.
    You did not get th fat out of the skin, the skin around the anus and the tail has a lot of fat and that fat smells like skunk.
     
  8. Apr 26, 2018 #6
    Toolfactory

    Toolfactory New Member

    28
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    So what part of the process do I need to work on? Do I just need to flesh better? Also if it is because I left fat in the skin, is there anyway to get rid of that smell, or is that just the way it's going to smell? I don't really care as it is my first tanned skin, but it would be nice to know for my next skunk.
     
  9. Apr 27, 2018 #7
    joeym

    joeym Old Murphey

    14,559
    10,590
    Chunky, Mississippi
    In time, the smell will dissipate. You will always be able to smell it if you get your nose close to the source. Masking it will help, but not solve the issue.
     
  10. Apr 27, 2018 #8
    Toolfactory

    Toolfactory New Member

    28
    4
    It is already less intense and fading. Thanks for the information.
     
  11. Apr 27, 2018 #9
    3bears

    3bears Well-Known Member

    7,072
    3,797
    MN
    Prior to skinning skunks I wash them in the peroxide/baking soda/soap mixture. I works pretty good. Any time the fur is wet, you may still get a hint of smell but once dry, it seems to disappear.
     
    cyclone likes this.
  12. Apr 27, 2018 #10
    Toolfactory

    Toolfactory New Member

    28
    4
    I think I will wash the next skunk I get before I skin in. I would just leave them alone but there fur is pretty and I can't help it. Thanks for all of the help guys.
     
  13. Apr 27, 2018 #11
    3bears

    3bears Well-Known Member

    7,072
    3,797
    MN
    I agree they are pretty, I love to trap em, I haven't perfected the extraction of the essence yet but, I'll get there.
     
  14. May 5, 2018 #12
    freeze_1

    freeze_1 Booboo, my business manager

    27,137
    48,527
    627 Granger Lane, Morris, PA. 16938
    I have always used the formula that 3bears stated and I have skinned and tanned hundreds if not a thousand since my teen years.
    I have had skunks that were considered hopeless and yet after mixing up a batch of peroxide ( 3%), dawn dish detergent and baking soda and lather the skunk up good just let him set in it for only a minute or two. Then I fill the bucket with water and agitate until the water is pretty much soap free. Hang and let most of the water drip off and skin.
    It sounds like a lot to do but it really isn't, it only takes about 10 minutes.
    3% Hydrogen peroxide 30%
    Baking Soda 30%
    water 35%
    5% Dawn dish detergent
     
  15. Apr 19, 2019 #13
    Ryan Suto

    Ryan Suto New Member

    14
    3
    Look for a charcoal based pet shampoo, it's what we recommend in the pet retail world for dogs that get skunked in the field.
     
  16. Apr 19, 2019 #14
    Ryan Suto

    Ryan Suto New Member

    14
    3
    Wow, I didnt realize how old this thread was. I'm guessing hide doesn't stink anymore