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Rubbery Cape Help

Discussion in 'Tanning' started by ARUsher, Oct 4, 2022.

  1. Oct 4, 2022 #1
    ARUsher

    ARUsher Well-Known Member

    423
    795
    Boerne, Texas
    I typically tan my own deer capes in house using pro-1 products, but I got a wet tanned cape from another taxidermist and it was covered in saw dust. I usually wash/rinse my capes prior to mounting, but when I did it to this one, it got extremely rubbery. What is this and what can I do to get the stretchy and limp tanned cape back instead of this thick rubbery thing? I have heard of acid swell but have not encountered it, is this what it is? If so, should I try neutralizing it again? Its a pretty cape and don't want to lose it. So far everything seems ok, just rubbery. Thanks in advance for the help!
     
    Robert Baker and msestak like this.
  3. Oct 4, 2022 #2
    Frank E. Kotula

    Frank E. Kotula master, judge, instructor

    3,485
    1,574
    wilkes barre
    Welcome to acid swell
    Try soaking in a salt solution with baking soda. That might help otherwise it maybe totally useless.
    A rule of thumb is never place any tanned cape in plain water without salt in it. 4oz per gallon of water. This helps in preventing any kind of swelling.
     
    Jim McNamara, Robert Baker, Jerry Huffaker and 1 other person like this.

  5. Oct 4, 2022 #3
    ARUsher

    ARUsher Well-Known Member

    423
    795
    Boerne, Texas
    Thanks Frank. I appreciate the advice.
     
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  6. Oct 4, 2022 #4
    Joe Kish

    Joe Kish Well-Known Member

    1,014
    2,222
    Texas
    I'll vouch for Frank's instructions. They're spot on and totally reliable.
     
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  7. Oct 4, 2022 #5
    Tanglewood Taxidermy

    Tanglewood Taxidermy Well-Known Member

    9,035
    8,647
    dallas oregon
    When I had this problem on a cape I had professionally tanned, I did just what Frank said to do and it was saved. I actually got a lot of unexpected stretch.
     
    Frank E. Kotula and Robert Baker like this.
  8. Oct 5, 2022 #6
    ARUsher

    ARUsher Well-Known Member

    423
    795
    Boerne, Texas
    That did the trick. Saved it. Thanks again Frank and Fellas, I appreciate the help!
     
    Tanglewood Taxidermy and Frank E. Kotula like this.