Using an Acid Pickle Method Prior to Liqua Tan

Liqua Tan is a blend of specially developed oils and tanning agents for the tanning of animal skins. Can be used for hair-on or hair-off tanning. Will produce a supple tan with good stretch longevity, and minimal shrinkage. Once dried into the skin. Liqua Tan cannot be washed out, thus making it most suitable for taxidermy tanning.

Note: Percentages are based on drained shaved weight of skin. The percentage is less for a skin with long hair than a skin with short hair.

1. Rehydration: Rehydrate skins in clear water with no more than 1/4 pound of salt per gallon, overnight if needed, or until pliable.

2. Pickle: To each gallon of water, add the following: 1 pound of salt, 1/2 ounce of Knoblochs Safety Pickle, or 1/2 ounce of 85 percent Formic Acid or 3 ounces of citric acid. Run skins in pickle for 24 hours before shaving or thinning the flesh side.
   
   Note: Other acids such as Bascal S, vinegar and citric acid can beused. Mineral acids such as hydrochloric and sulfuric acids are not recommended. The Important thing is to manintain a pH of 1.8 to 2.2; leave the skins in the pickle for two days or longer. After the first 24 hours in the pickle, the skins can be shaved and then returned to the pickle for an additional 24 hours.

3. Degreasing: For skins such as bear, beaver, fox, raccoon, etc., degreasing should be done prior to tanning. Use Kemal-4, Kemsol, or Super-Solv degreaser. Run skins in the degreasing bath for 2 to 3 hours. Re-pickle if necessary.

4. Basification and Neutralizing: Drain skins from pickle, immediately add a small amount (approximately 1 ounce per gallon) sodium bicarbonate or other neutralizing agent to a fresh bath of water and mix well. Place the skins in solution for 30 minutes; pH in the skin should be 4.5 to 5.0. Once this has been reached, pull the skins, drain well and rinse. Before tanning, spin water out and/or drain for 2 to 3 hours.

5. Lay the skin flesh side up and apply an even layer of Liqua Tan. Use a paint brush or work in by hand (wear rubber gloves). Liqua Tan works best if warmed slightly and is applied at room temperature. After several hours, work in excess Liqua Tan. Follow either step #6 or step 6A depending upon desired method.

6. Hang the skin up where all areas are exposed to air circulation. Periodically stretch the skin to make sure it dries evenly. For additional softness, 12 to 18 hours after Liqua Tan, Liqua Soft or Tanning Oil #1 may be used. You may mount, freeze of let the skin dry for at least five days before rehydrating. (See Option #2, Tips #7 and #8).

Step 6A: Alternative: The skin can also be mounted after the Liqua Tan has soaked in for eight hours (preferably overnight). It is important with this method that all the salt is rinsed out.

Note: Van Dyke's Taxidermy Supply Co. offers these instructions in an advisory capacity and assumes no liability. Such information is the same as used in our own successful experiments, and since we have no control over the environment or the materials upon which our products or instructions will be used, no success is guaranteed. Trial must be performed to account for individual circumstances. In all suggestions, we recommend reading the formulas that have been provided for your evaluation. These are proven formulas that you may find beneficial, from the experience of other tanners.

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