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Methods For Tanning? Tanning Solution After Da Bath?

Discussion in 'Tanning' started by Annib, Jul 29, 2021.

  1. Jul 29, 2021 #1
    Annib

    Annib New Member

    26
    1
    I do mostly small animals; rats, squirrels, etc. I soak the hide in denatured alcohol to pickle then use dry preserve before mounting. Would I get good, softer results if I skipped the DP and used a tanning solution after the alcohol soak? Would that give me a tanned hide even if I haven't gone through the regular process of salt, relax, pickle, neutralize, then tan? Wondering if I can slap on some McKenzie tan after the alcohol bath and will that result in a workably soft tan.
     
  3. Jul 30, 2021 #2
    ARUsher

    ARUsher Well-Known Member

    452
    974
    Boerne, Texas
    I'm pretty sure you wont get the result you are looking for as a DA bath really isn't the same as a pickle. I believe the McKenzie rub on tan requires that acid pickle for it to work. With a DA bath, you really aren't doing anything chemically to the hide in order to accept the tan, just preserving it. But that is just the way I understand it.
     

  5. Jul 30, 2021 #3
    Frank E. Kotula

    Frank E. Kotula master, judge, instructor

    3,611
    1,702
    wilkes barre
    Chemically not sure if a tan would work properly while using alcohol. Personally you can change your methods just by using vinegar or even citic acid.
    These two compounds can be easily found at local stores at a decent price for the home owners
    1 gallon of vinegar
    1 gallon of water
    1 lb of salt

    1 gallon of water
    3 oz of citric acid
    1lb of salt
    Soak 48 hrs on these small mammals
    Then you need to neutralize in a bath of
    1 gallon of water
    1 tablespoon of baking soda
    4 oz of salt
    Soak for 15 mins, drain and apply the rub on tan. you may need a tanning oil to aid in getting it soft but you would suggest trying tru-bonds 1000B for this work . It’s a great tan that has oils in it to help getting your skins soft.
     
    Crook's Taxidermy likes this.