Tanning question?
#7967036
10/08/23 02:23 PM
10/08/23 02:23 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Missouri, USA
Pofarmer10
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Nov 2017
Missouri, USA
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What is the cheapest tanning solution? Is there a way to do Borax without the Alum?
“Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching—even when doing the wrong thing is legal.” -Aldo Leopold
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: Pofarmer10]
#7967143
10/08/23 06:01 PM
10/08/23 06:01 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
james bay frontierOnt.
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Depends on the end use. Simple paste preservation is fine for a wall hanger but would not be suitable for a garment which requires a stretchy leather.
Last edited by Boco; 10/08/23 06:03 PM.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: Pofarmer10]
#7967150
10/08/23 06:11 PM
10/08/23 06:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
north Idaho
wissmiss
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
north Idaho
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Will a mod move this to trapping only please. I don’t think this thread should be moved. It is not a trapping question. More people will see it on the main forum.
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: Boco]
#7967166
10/08/23 06:26 PM
10/08/23 06:26 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Missouri, USA
Pofarmer10
OP
trapper
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OP
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Joined: Nov 2017
Missouri, USA
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Depends on the end use. Simple paste preservation is fine for a wall hanger but would not be suitable for a garment which requires a stretchy leather. I am using it for a wall hanger. Doesn't need to be really soft although I would if it was cheap. I was wondering if the Borax and Alum paste worked or not? And do these instructions make sense? Any changes or mistakes? Soak the skin in several changes of cool water. Use a 5 gallon plastic garbage can for all soaking and tanning processes. Never use a metal container, as the salt and tanning chemicals can react with the metal. While the skin must be soaked until soft, do not allow it to stay wet longer than necessary because the hair may start to slip. Soaking time depends upon the condition of the skin; some skins require only about two hours while others need a much longer time. When the skin begins to soften, lay it on a smooth board and begin working over the flesh side to break up the adhering tissue and fat. All dried skins have a shiny tight layer of tissue that must be broken up and entirely removed; this can be done by alternately scraping and soaking the hide. Take care not to injure the true skin or expose the hair roots, especially on thin skins like squirrel and rabbit. When the skin is almost soft, put it in lukewarm water containing an ounce of baking soda or Borax per gallon. For greasy skins, adding a tablespoon of dishwashing soap per gallon of water may help clean the skin.
“Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching—even when doing the wrong thing is legal.” -Aldo Leopold
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: Pofarmer10]
#7967321
10/08/23 08:35 PM
10/08/23 08:35 PM
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Joined: Jun 2022
Manitoba
Shakeyjake
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jun 2022
Manitoba
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I had a link to one of Bocos old tanning posts he started on here. My ipad did some kinda reboot and lost all my saved links. I’ve only used one of the Tru Bond kits. They work fine but it’s nothing like a real taxidermist job.
Wind Blew, crap flew, out came the line crew
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: Pofarmer10]
#7967327
10/08/23 08:40 PM
10/08/23 08:40 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
james bay frontierOnt.
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Depends on the end use. Simple paste preservation is fine for a wall hanger but would not be suitable for a garment which requires a stretchy leather. I am using it for a wall hanger. Doesn't need to be really soft although I would if it was cheap. I was wondering if the Borax and Alum paste worked or not? And do these instructions make sense? Any changes or mistakes? Soak the skin in several changes of cool water. Use a 5 gallon plastic garbage can for all soaking and tanning processes. Never use a metal container, as the salt and tanning chemicals can react with the metal. While the skin must be soaked until soft, do not allow it to stay wet longer than necessary because the hair may start to slip. Soaking time depends upon the condition of the skin; some skins require only about two hours while others need a much longer time. When the skin begins to soften, lay it on a smooth board and begin working over the flesh side to break up the adhering tissue and fat. All dried skins have a shiny tight layer of tissue that must be broken up and entirely removed; this can be done by alternately scraping and soaking the hide. Take care not to injure the true skin or expose the hair roots, especially on thin skins like squirrel and rabbit. When the skin is almost soft, put it in lukewarm water containing an ounce of baking soda or Borax per gallon. For greasy skins, adding a tablespoon of dishwashing soap per gallon of water may help clean the skin.That is your rehydration step. Pickle comes after that then neutralizing, tanning, then oiling and tumbling.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: Pofarmer10]
#7967370
10/08/23 09:25 PM
10/08/23 09:25 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Missouri, USA
Pofarmer10
OP
trapper
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Joined: Nov 2017
Missouri, USA
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"That is your rehydration step. Pickle comes after that then neutralizing, tanning, then oiling and tumbling."
I understand that. But does Borax and Alum work?
“Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching—even when doing the wrong thing is legal.” -Aldo Leopold
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: Pofarmer10]
#7967374
10/08/23 09:30 PM
10/08/23 09:30 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
james bay frontierOnt.
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Does borax and alum work for what? Borax wont do anything. Alum can be used as a pickle if mixed with salt and water to a ph 2 or under. Alum and salt can be used as a tan if adjusted with washing soda to a ph of 4-4.5
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: Pofarmer10]
#7967383
10/08/23 09:39 PM
10/08/23 09:39 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Missouri, USA
Pofarmer10
OP
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OP
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Joined: Nov 2017
Missouri, USA
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to rub into the hide after soaking. Tanning solution/paste.
“Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching—even when doing the wrong thing is legal.” -Aldo Leopold
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: Pofarmer10]
#7967385
10/08/23 09:46 PM
10/08/23 09:46 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
MB
Jurassic Park
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2016
MB
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What is the cheapest tanning solution? Is there a way to do Borax without the Alum? Brains.
Cold as ice!
Clique non-member
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: Pofarmer10]
#7967387
10/08/23 09:47 PM
10/08/23 09:47 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
james bay frontierOnt.
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Alum paste tan for small skins.
2oz washing soda 4oz salt 8oz of ammonium or potassium alum Add enough soft water to make a paste. If too watery add some flour to thicken.
Apply to flesh side of skin and cover with plastic so it doesnt dry out Leave for a couple days then scrape off and apply fresh coat. Repeat two or 3 times until tan has struck thru thickest part of skin. Then neutralize and finish.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: Pofarmer10]
#7967409
10/08/23 10:12 PM
10/08/23 10:12 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Missouri, USA
Pofarmer10
OP
trapper
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OP
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Joined: Nov 2017
Missouri, USA
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Does baking soda work instead of washing soda? And is coyote a small skin?
“Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching—even when doing the wrong thing is legal.” -Aldo Leopold
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: Pofarmer10]
#7967442
10/08/23 11:22 PM
10/08/23 11:22 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
james bay frontierOnt.
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No And No. Baking soda is for neutralizing after pickle. You can paste tan a coyote just takes more applications to penetrate.When you paste tan you are skipping the pickle. I presume you know the cut test for tanning?
Last edited by Boco; 10/08/23 11:23 PM.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: Boco]
#7967486
10/09/23 12:30 AM
10/09/23 12:30 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Rodney,Ohio
SNIPERBBB
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Rodney,Ohio
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Alum paste tan for small skins.
2oz washing soda 4oz salt 8oz of ammonium or potassium alum Add enough soft water to make a paste. If too watery add some flour to thicken.
Apply to flesh side of skin and cover with plastic so it doesnt dry out Leave for a couple days then scrape off and apply fresh coat. Repeat two or 3 times until tan has struck thru thickest part of skin. Then neutralize and finish. Straight borax you can turn a hide into a lethat weapon!
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: yotetrapper30]
#7967490
10/09/23 12:35 AM
10/09/23 12:35 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Rodney,Ohio
SNIPERBBB
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Rodney,Ohio
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You can buy washing soda in the laundry aisle at most grocery stores for a few bucks. Don't use washing soda/sodium carbonate for tanning. Raises the pH too much and you risking slippage. Somentanneriers do use sodium carbonate but they know what they're doing Good discussion on this topic https://www.taxidermy.net/threads/414369/
Last edited by SNIPERBBB; 10/09/23 12:38 AM.
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: wissmiss]
#7967506
10/09/23 03:31 AM
10/09/23 03:31 AM
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Joined: Mar 2020
W NY
Turtledale
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2020
W NY
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Will a mod move this to trapping only please. I don’t think this thread should be moved. It is not a trapping question. More people will see it on the main forum. And there is a fur handling forum
NYSTA, NTA, FTA, life member Erie county trappers assn.,life member Catt.county trappers
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Re: Tanning question?
[Re: Pofarmer10]
#7967597
10/09/23 08:17 AM
10/09/23 08:17 AM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Missouri, USA
Pofarmer10
OP
trapper
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OP
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Joined: Nov 2017
Missouri, USA
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So in Bocos Home Tanning, what kind of DIY tanning oil can I make?
“Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching—even when doing the wrong thing is legal.” -Aldo Leopold
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