Using the Liqua Tan Tanning Kit

1. Process the raw skin by removing as much flesh and membrane as possible. Turn lips, nostrils and ears on capes. Do not leave the skin in this raw state any longer than necessary.

2. Cover the flesh side of the skin with fine grained, non-iodized salt. Use plenty of salt. Never use Rock Salt or reuse old salt. After 24 hours shake off the salt and re-salt for another 24 hours.

3. Mix a pickle solution at the following proportions for every 1 gallon of water:

• 3 ounces Citric Acid (included) and 3/4 pound of salt. Stir well. Solution should be large enough to easily submerge the skin.

• Shake off salt from skin and submerge in pickle solution stirring periodically. Keep skins in solution for 12-24 hours. If you have pH paper, the solution should be between 1.8 - 2.2. Adjust with more Citric Acid if pH rises. After several hours in the pickle solution the skin can be removed and the flesh side “thinned” using a sharp knife, a currier’s knife or a wire wheel with at least a half horsepower motor. The thinner the skin is shaved the softer and more flexible it will be. As soon as you are finished thinning put the skin back in the pickle for the allotted time.

4. (Optional) - Degrease the skin (remove the fat residue) if necessary. Skins such as raccoon and beaver will require degreasing. Deer usually do not. Greasy skins can be degreased in a solution of 1/2 fluid ounce of Dawn Dishwashing Detergent per one gallon of water. Wash and repeat as necessary. Once skin is degreased, rinse thoroughly in clear water to remove any degreasing agent.

5. Mix a neutralizing bath using the following proportions:

• For every gallon of water add 1 ounce of Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda).

• Submerge the skin in the neutralizer bath for 30 minutes stirring frequently. Remove from the neutralizer bath and rinse well in clear water. Towel dry the skin until the hair side is dry and the flesh side is damp.

6. Warm the Liqua Tan (provided) and apply an even layer to the entire flesh side of the skin using rubber gloves or a brush. Work in excess Liqua Tan after a couple hours if pooling occurs. Hang the skin and allow it to dry slightly, stretching the skin periodically to make sure it dries evenly.

7. 12 - 18 hours after tanning with Liqua Tan lay the skin, hair side down. Heat the Tanning Oil #1 (provided) to 90 - 100 degrees and apply a liberal coating to the flesh side. Allow the oil to penetrate for 1 - 3 hours. Fold the skin flesh side to flesh side and let it set overnight. The skin is now ready to mount or freeze for use later. If frozen, simply thaw and mount.

8. (Optional) - If you are looking for a soft supple leather like a rug, allow the tanned skin to dry, but as it is drying, work the skin by pulling and stretching it. You should also “break” the fibers of the skin by working the flesh side over the edge or corner of a table. Continue until the skin is completely dry and is as soft as you desire.

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