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Best Oil For Softening Hides?

Discussion in 'Beginners' started by Unearthed Remains, Mar 15, 2023.

  1. Mar 15, 2023 #1
    Unearthed Remains

    Unearthed Remains Member

    43
    12
    Traverse City, MI
    I recently got in a tanned newborn goat. Seller sold it to me cheap because it's a 2 year old tan and they did not stretch/oil the hide well enough. So it is pretty stiff. The hide passed the rehydration test, but now I need to work on getting this hide stretched and obtaining measurements so I can mount it.

    I am just wondering what the best, most affordable oil would be for this?

    Or do you think I would be better off skipping oiling. Just rehydrate the hide, stretch it, get measurements, and freeze it until I get back to it.
     
  3. Mar 15, 2023 #2
    Frank E. Kotula

    Frank E. Kotula master, judge, instructor

    3,547
    1,630
    wilkes barre
    No I would reoil and me personally I like tru-bond 2000 for this Jmo
     
    Unearthed Remains and adrenaline_rush_taxidermy like this.

  5. Mar 23, 2023 #3
    Unearthed Remains

    Unearthed Remains Member

    43
    12
    Traverse City, MI
    Thank you very much! Are the instructions for it like any other oil?
     
  6. Mar 23, 2023 #4
    Frank E. Kotula

    Frank E. Kotula master, judge, instructor

    3,547
    1,630
    wilkes barre
    There’s information on the site and I think on the product as well
    It’s easy , warm it up, apply, fold overnight, open and as it’s 85% dry start pulling or breaking the fibers.
     
  7. Apr 19, 2023 #5
    Unearthed Remains

    Unearthed Remains Member

    43
    12
    Traverse City, MI
    Just got around to ordering that oil. The tan is 2 years old and it's gonna be a few more months until I can get around to finishing it. I don't want the hide to become unmountable. Do you think it is safe to freeze the hide after stretching? Would that preserve the tan?
     
  8. Apr 20, 2023 #6
    Frank E. Kotula

    Frank E. Kotula master, judge, instructor

    3,547
    1,630
    wilkes barre
    Is it hydrated? If not it needs to be rehydrated and then yes you can freeze it till the oil comes in.
    Not knowing what tan is used add 4 oz of salt to a gallon of water and a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate to aid in not getting acid swell but you may still have issues
     
  9. Apr 20, 2023 #7
    Unearthed Remains

    Unearthed Remains Member

    43
    12
    Traverse City, MI
    You have been a lot of help. Thank you so much.
     
    Frank E. Kotula likes this.