First, flesh the hide and then salt it. After salting you can continue to tan it or shake off the old salt and re-salt the hide (even hang it up) and allow to dry until you send it to the tannery. Store in a cool place since this "cold temp" will halt any possible bug problems. Thanks for the question!
This video only explains how to salt a hide and preserve it until tanned. We will have another video on the complete tanning process available later on this year. Thank you for the question.
Yes, salting works for all hides. I always like to use as much salt as possible and even bury hides in salt. The Lion hide will do fine. Again, salting is only part of a process and should preserve it until tanned. If your not going to tan the hide for a long time, just keep it frozen until you can work on it. --Thanks for the question.
For the most part, iodized salt should not damage anything. However, iodized salt may discolor the skin, hide or cape. The hair or leather might be discolored due to the chemical reactions with the tanning chemicals. Also, toxic fumes could be created in the tanning process with the use of iodized salt. So, it is best to use non-iodized salt.
I usually wash everything twice or more. Go through the process and then wash after everything is completed but before the final (softening-oil) finishing oil is applied. It just depends on what works best for you and the individual techniques you develop. Thank you for the question.
I live up in central NY so it's quite cool outside but I don't have any burlap sacks. After salting would it be ok to leave it in my barn with tarp over top of it?
Sure! I always like to suspend skins to allow complete air circulation and it will also help prevent rodents, etc from damaging the skin. You can use any type of mesh material such as an old onion sack, bag or whatever you can find. Thank you for the question.
@TaxidermyOutdoors Cool. Thanks for the advice. This is my first time ever doing anything like this but so far I love it. I would really like to get into hide preservation and taxidermy some day.
you know im not even close to you when it comes to taxidermy but i never use salt i brain tan everything i also only do small game did a few deer ill make a video tell me what you think i always want to learn new things.
Brain tanning is accepted and practiced by many. The tanning agent is "Tannic Acid" in all brain matter. I have seen some excellent pieces of leather and other skins from this process. The point of this video is not to show people how to tan anything, it is only to show about salting and preservation until the skin can be processed. Certain processes by pass the salt process altogether. We stay with tried and proven methods but are always advancing.
Hmmm, if your going to mount this back on a manican. I thought shrinkage is something you didnt want? If you get your measurements before hand for the manican and the hide shrinks, how will it fit? OK, apparently, I am confised. Prety cool though. I like taxidermy. Thanks for shareing.
The salting process will fixate the hide for the tanning process. After the hide (cape) is "tanned" and --Re-Stretched-- it can then be mounted on the correct form. The process is a little more detailed but the basics are there. Thanks for the question.
There is a complete process involved for tanning. This video does not cover the topic. Of course, there are a multitude of tanning formulas. In the near future, we will release a complete procedure for tanning a skin-hide or cape. It should prove most helpful to everyone.
@TaxidermyOutdoors Totally understand that this isnt covering everything for tanning. I guess it makes sense when you said to restretch. Guess I should have seen that coming. LOL I'm currently looking into taking a class on Taxidermy here in WI. Thanks again.
Thanx for the info!! I have never tanned a hide or even tried, all i know are the fleshing and salting procedures. Is there very more i need to know? I am just trying to tan the hide and put it on my wall.
Respond to this video... There is a complete process involved for tanning. This video does not cover the topic. Of course, there are a multitude of tanning formulas. In the near future, we will release a complete procedure for tanning a skin-hide or cape. It should prove most helpful to everyone.
After the salting process (24 hours), shake the salt off. The whole idea is to cause the skin to shrink and lock the hair follicle into the skin. The salt draws moisture out of the skin. So, after shaking the salt off, re-salt the skin to draw out all of the moisture you can. Never wash the skin to remove the salt as this would defeat the purpose of the salting process. Continue to dry, ready to ship to the tannery, or process to tan yourself.
hi the past 2 yrs iv been using krowtann 2000 . it easy to use you mix salt in with it in a plastic bucket in 4 days the hide is done and ready to mount fast and easy
Salting Skins for Taxidermy video, as explained, is the basic requirement needed to help preserve skins until tanned for taxidermy use. When tanning skins, hides or capes, there is no short cut or magic potion. There are certain chemical changes that MUST take place in any skin to achieve quality results and a lasting finished product. There are many ways to properly tan a skin. Lasting quality is the desired goal.
There can always be a problem even if you have done everything correctly. The use of "iodized" salt could discolor the leather and or hair. However, the chances are marginal. I would not worry too much about it. Just be careful from now on and use ONLY non-iodized salt for all future skins. Keep in mind that under certain conditions and with certain tanning chemicals, "iodized" anything could release toxic fumes. But if worried, rewash skin and re-salt .
i tried the same with ordinary salt (non iodine) left it for couple of days but the skin got crispy and hard, before salting i cleaned it completely and skin was free from flesh and fat. any idea what went wrong. cheers.
Nothing went wrong. The salt is suppose to pull the moisture from the skin and dry it. It is a basic tanning step. From this point, you can store the skin in a cool dry place until you tan it or send it off to a tannery.
cheers, thanks for reply..i think i still have that hide in my store room somewhere i would try to tan it myself too. is it too late for that? its few months old now.
A properly fleshed and salt dried skin stored in a cool, dry environment which is bug free; will last for many, many years. We had seven skunk skins that were washed, fleshed and salt dried for fifteen years. ( I have no idea why we waited so long but the time frame is exact!) We finally tanned them and they turned out perfectly!
It is always best to clean any blood off of a skin, hide or cape before salting it. You can wash the skin in cold water with a little soap working the bloodied area well. Also, you can use 3% hydrogen peroxide and spray it on and work it in a little and then after a few minutes, wash off. Repeat as needed. Acetone also cleans blood to a certain degree. But always use caution with any chemical you use. With any good skin, you should not have any problems.
I out my hide in the freezer for a little over a month and was going to take it out now to tan it, is that ok? Or did i ruin it by not salting it immediately?
Having a skin, hide or cape frozen for a month to many months should not present any problem at all. A properly frozen hide which has been sealed in plastic (vacuumed packed) will last almost indefinitely. Never salt a hide which you intend to freeze.
If all your doing is tying flies for fishing, simply clean up the hide, and salt dry it. Clip the hair or pull it out as needed and then tie your fly as desired.
What do u do afterwards? just scrape off the salt and remaining meat and fat?
TThhs2011 3 weeks ago
@TThhs2011
First, flesh the hide and then salt it. After salting you can continue to tan it or shake off the old salt and re-salt the hide (even hang it up) and allow to dry until you send it to the tannery. Store in a cool place since this "cold temp" will halt any possible bug problems. Thanks for the question!
TaxidermyOutdoors 3 weeks ago
@TaxidermyOutdoors What if u dont send it to the tannery? How do u do it ur self?
ThaoTitans 3 weeks ago
@ThaoTitans
This video only explains how to salt a hide and preserve it until tanned. We will have another video on the complete tanning process available later on this year. Thank you for the question.
TaxidermyOutdoors 3 weeks ago
@TaxidermyOutdoors That will be Great if u make another video cause the way u teach it is so clear to understand :) thanks and looking forward to it
ThaoTitans 3 weeks ago
would this work on a mountain lion hide if it does how much salt
and good vid
falconr100 1 month ago
@falconr100
Yes, salting works for all hides. I always like to use as much salt as possible and even bury hides in salt. The Lion hide will do fine. Again, salting is only part of a process and should preserve it until tanned. If your not going to tan the hide for a long time, just keep it frozen until you can work on it. --Thanks for the question.
TaxidermyOutdoors 1 month ago
@WinterWoodlands
For the most part, iodized salt should not damage anything. However, iodized salt may discolor the skin, hide or cape. The hair or leather might be discolored due to the chemical reactions with the tanning chemicals. Also, toxic fumes could be created in the tanning process with the use of iodized salt. So, it is best to use non-iodized salt.
Thank you for the question.
TaxidermyOutdoors 2 months ago
do you wash the hide after its been salted for a day or two before you tan it
liv4daoutdoors 2 months ago
@liv4daoutdoors
I usually wash everything twice or more. Go through the process and then wash after everything is completed but before the final (softening-oil) finishing oil is applied. It just depends on what works best for you and the individual techniques you develop. Thank you for the question.
TaxidermyOutdoors 2 months ago
I live up in central NY so it's quite cool outside but I don't have any burlap sacks. After salting would it be ok to leave it in my barn with tarp over top of it?
BurnToastification 2 months ago
@BurnToastification
Sure! I always like to suspend skins to allow complete air circulation and it will also help prevent rodents, etc from damaging the skin. You can use any type of mesh material such as an old onion sack, bag or whatever you can find. Thank you for the question.
TaxidermyOutdoors 2 months ago
@TaxidermyOutdoors Cool. Thanks for the advice. This is my first time ever doing anything like this but so far I love it. I would really like to get into hide preservation and taxidermy some day.
BurnToastification 2 months ago
you know im not even close to you when it comes to taxidermy but i never use salt i brain tan everything i also only do small game did a few deer ill make a video tell me what you think i always want to learn new things.
leo226644 3 months ago
@leo226644
Brain tanning is accepted and practiced by many. The tanning agent is "Tannic Acid" in all brain matter. I have seen some excellent pieces of leather and other skins from this process. The point of this video is not to show people how to tan anything, it is only to show about salting and preservation until the skin can be processed. Certain processes by pass the salt process altogether. We stay with tried and proven methods but are always advancing.
TaxidermyOutdoors 3 months ago
Hmmm, if your going to mount this back on a manican. I thought shrinkage is something you didnt want? If you get your measurements before hand for the manican and the hide shrinks, how will it fit? OK, apparently, I am confised. Prety cool though. I like taxidermy. Thanks for shareing.
duane2072 5 months ago
@duane2072
The salting process will fixate the hide for the tanning process. After the hide (cape) is "tanned" and --Re-Stretched-- it can then be mounted on the correct form. The process is a little more detailed but the basics are there. Thanks for the question.
TaxidermyOutdoors 5 months ago
@duane2072
There is a complete process involved for tanning. This video does not cover the topic. Of course, there are a multitude of tanning formulas. In the near future, we will release a complete procedure for tanning a skin-hide or cape. It should prove most helpful to everyone.
TaxidermyOutdoors 5 months ago
@TaxidermyOutdoors Totally understand that this isnt covering everything for tanning. I guess it makes sense when you said to restretch. Guess I should have seen that coming. LOL I'm currently looking into taking a class on Taxidermy here in WI. Thanks again.
duane2072 5 months ago
Thanx for the info!! I have never tanned a hide or even tried, all i know are the fleshing and salting procedures. Is there very more i need to know? I am just trying to tan the hide and put it on my wall.
aaronlf11 7 months ago
Respond to this video... There is a complete process involved for tanning. This video does not cover the topic. Of course, there are a multitude of tanning formulas. In the near future, we will release a complete procedure for tanning a skin-hide or cape. It should prove most helpful to everyone.
TaxidermyOutdoors 5 months ago
After salting the hide, do you actually wash the hide off or just shake it off?
aaronlf11 7 months ago
@aaronlf11
After the salting process (24 hours), shake the salt off. The whole idea is to cause the skin to shrink and lock the hair follicle into the skin. The salt draws moisture out of the skin. So, after shaking the salt off, re-salt the skin to draw out all of the moisture you can. Never wash the skin to remove the salt as this would defeat the purpose of the salting process. Continue to dry, ready to ship to the tannery, or process to tan yourself.
TaxidermyOutdoors 7 months ago
Nice informative video mans, thanks for sharing.
facestomp88 8 months ago
hi the past 2 yrs iv been using krowtann 2000 . it easy to use you mix salt in with it in a plastic bucket in 4 days the hide is done and ready to mount fast and easy
1hunterdale 11 months ago
@1hunterdale
Salting Skins for Taxidermy video, as explained, is the basic requirement needed to help preserve skins until tanned for taxidermy use. When tanning skins, hides or capes, there is no short cut or magic potion. There are certain chemical changes that MUST take place in any skin to achieve quality results and a lasting finished product. There are many ways to properly tan a skin. Lasting quality is the desired goal.
TaxidermyOutdoors 11 months ago
i tried doing this myself with just basic instructions but never have seen it done and i used iodized salt is this gonna be a big problem?
confederateguy1860 1 year ago
@confederateguy1860
There can always be a problem even if you have done everything correctly. The use of "iodized" salt could discolor the leather and or hair. However, the chances are marginal. I would not worry too much about it. Just be careful from now on and use ONLY non-iodized salt for all future skins. Keep in mind that under certain conditions and with certain tanning chemicals, "iodized" anything could release toxic fumes. But if worried, rewash skin and re-salt .
TaxidermyOutdoors 1 year ago
i tried the same with ordinary salt (non iodine) left it for couple of days but the skin got crispy and hard, before salting i cleaned it completely and skin was free from flesh and fat. any idea what went wrong. cheers.
bbashikhan 1 year ago
@bbashikhan
Nothing went wrong. The salt is suppose to pull the moisture from the skin and dry it. It is a basic tanning step. From this point, you can store the skin in a cool dry place until you tan it or send it off to a tannery.
TaxidermyOutdoors 1 year ago
@TaxidermyOutdoors
cheers, thanks for reply..i think i still have that hide in my store room somewhere i would try to tan it myself too. is it too late for that? its few months old now.
bbashikhan 1 year ago
@bbashikhan
A properly fleshed and salt dried skin stored in a cool, dry environment which is bug free; will last for many, many years. We had seven skunk skins that were washed, fleshed and salt dried for fifteen years. ( I have no idea why we waited so long but the time frame is exact!) We finally tanned them and they turned out perfectly!
TaxidermyOutdoors 1 year ago
@TaxidermyOutdoors
top man,. thank you very much. wish u all the best and have a nice new year 11.
bbashikhan 1 year ago
@bbashikhan
You too! Have a safe and productive year.
TaxidermyOutdoors 1 year ago
after salting my hide, how do i clean all the blood stained fur?
pipelayerjimmy 1 year ago
@pipelayerjimmy
It is always best to clean any blood off of a skin, hide or cape before salting it. You can wash the skin in cold water with a little soap working the bloodied area well. Also, you can use 3% hydrogen peroxide and spray it on and work it in a little and then after a few minutes, wash off. Repeat as needed. Acetone also cleans blood to a certain degree. But always use caution with any chemical you use. With any good skin, you should not have any problems.
TaxidermyOutdoors 1 year ago
@TaxidermyOutdoors Thanks so much!
pipelayerjimmy 1 year ago
@TaxidermyOutdoors Thanks so much for the the help quick response!
pipelayerjimmy 1 year ago
@pipelayerjimmy
Our pleasure to help you. Best wishes on your project.
TaxidermyOutdoors 1 year ago
@TaxidermyOutdoors Thanks so much for the the help and quick response!
pipelayerjimmy 1 year ago
I out my hide in the freezer for a little over a month and was going to take it out now to tan it, is that ok? Or did i ruin it by not salting it immediately?
MarimpietriDP 1 year ago
@MarimpietriDP
Having a skin, hide or cape frozen for a month to many months should not present any problem at all. A properly frozen hide which has been sealed in plastic (vacuumed packed) will last almost indefinitely. Never salt a hide which you intend to freeze.
TaxidermyOutdoors 1 year ago
what happens after this step? im just trying to dry a hide out for fly tying purposes.
tomarowspast 1 year ago
@tomarowspast
If all your doing is tying flies for fishing, simply clean up the hide, and salt dry it. Clip the hair or pull it out as needed and then tie your fly as desired.
TaxidermyOutdoors 1 year ago
Awesome tip! Thanks!
jamdirector 1 year ago
@jamdirector
Your welcome!
TaxidermyOutdoors 1 year ago
thats a preety cool way of doing it thanks for the tip.
edybonilla 1 year ago
@edybonilla
Your welcome!
TaxidermyOutdoors 1 year ago