Thank for looking! I'm trying different tanning methods on some small raccoons. I'm currently using TASCO'S EZ-100 Tanning Kit and I'm on one of the last steps that involves putting a warm mixture of oil/water mixture (TASCO'S ProPlus Oil (PP-301)) on the flesh side and letting "sweat" for 4-6 hours. Per the instructions, "Maximum take up of the oil will take place during the sweating period." After sweating, I will let the hide dry for 1-2 days (95% dry) and then begin to break the hide.

What does "sweating" mean with respect to tanning?

Thanks!

I have never heard the term used in the home tanning process...

Garry-

Basically (sweating) is just allowing the skin to absorb the oil/water mixture. The tanning process drys it out quite a bit. That mixture works best very warm to almost hot. I usually apply it with a paint brush or with my hand in a rubber glove. Makes the skin supple and easier to break.

Thanks coyote 1!

Garry, FYI, see below from Tasco’s EZ-100 tanning instructions regarding the term “sweat”.

Tanning(stuffing) oil needs to completely penetrate the skin fully stuffing the spaces between the skin fibres.
Sweating meand to lube the surface of the skin liberally with the oil,then fold it leather to leather and roll it up so the skin doesnt begin to dry and lock up before the oil can penetrate.I have done thicker skins or skins like beaver that have very dense fibre structure by letting them sweat in the oil for 2 or 3 days,even more.Follow the instructions with your tanning kit.
The tannerys use a "kicker"machine to stuff the fibres with oil.
Sweating the oil in is a passive way of stuffing the fibres as opposed to the agressive method of kickin the oil in.

Kinda odd terminology because the next to last paragraph is what I thijnk of sweating in the tanning/taxidermy process

I have tanned many skins with Rittles products. That's who makes the EZ-100 products or at least used to. Coyote and Boco gave you good advice. I always made the oil/water mixture hot, brushed it on, rolled the hide up leather to leather then stuck it under the woodstove until the next day.