Tanning a Hair On Hide (Part 3)

Typical Scenario for Tanning a Hair On Hide (Part 3)

STEP 7: Softening
This procedure is not necessary or advisable if the skin is to be used for a mount. Skins being used for rugs and throws are more desirable if the skin is somewhat soft. Softening is often referred to as breaking. This procedure actually breaks down the fibers in the leather, leaving it soft. Thin skinned animals such as deer, fox and bobcats are usually fairly easy to break.
A) One method that works well is to dry the hair thoroughly and hang the hide in a well ventilated area. Watch skin closely while it is hanging so as not to let it get completely dry.
B) When the hide is about 80% dry, which is when the hair is not “wet”, but the skin is still pliable, apply a good quality softening oil, such as Super Soft to the skin side of the hide.
C) As the hide begins to dry after the first layer of oil has been applied, stretching the hide should begin.
D) Stretch the hide in every direction 3-4 times each day.
E) The hide should start to turn white when you stretch it, indicating the fibers in the leather are starting to break.
F) When the first application of softening oil is about 80% dry, repeat this procedure.
G) Repeat again, a third and final time.
H) As the hide dries this final time, stretch and pull it even more frequently.
I) By this time, the hide should remain soft and pliable.

Note: Heavier hides require even more breaking. Follow steps below for heavier hides.
A) One method that works well is to dry the hair thoroughly and hang the hide in a well ventilated area. Watch skin closely while it is hanging so as not to let it get completely dry.
B) When the hide is about 80% dry, which is when the hair is not “wet”, but the skin is still pliable, apply a good quality softening oil, such as Super Soft to the skin side of the hide.
C) As the hide begins to dry after the first layer of oil has been applied, stretching the hide should begin.
D) Stretch the hide in every direction 3-4 times each day.
E) The hide should start to turn white when you stretch it, indicating the fibers in the leather are starting to break.
F) When the first application of softening oil is about 80% dry, repeat this procedure.
G) Repeat again, a third and final time.
H) As the hide dries this final time, stretch and pull it even more frequently.
I) By this time, the hide should remain soft and pliable.

STEP 8: Additional Information on Extremely Heavy Hides
Extremely heavy hides such as beef and buffalo are very hard to work without the proper equipment. Equipment that is essential to this process is a high quality fleshing machine, for shaving the hide, and an 8’ to10’ heavy duty fur drum, for breaking the hide. A standard tumbler is NOT an acceptable substitute for the above mentioned fur drum. Even with this equipment, achieving an acceptable quality product is questionable at best.
A) If you still plan on attempting this, GOOD LUCK! This will be a difficult process.
B) Be prepared to spend at least 16 hours or longer on the fleshing machine and even longer on the breaking process.
C) If you do not have a fleshing machine, it is highly recommended by Van Dykes staff, that you send the hide to a professional tannery.

STEP 8: Trouble Shooting
A) Problem: “The hair is falling out of my hide!”
Probable Causes: 1. Improper field care.
2. Hide was not salted or fleshed properly.
3. Proper pH levels were not maintained.
Solution: Get new hide if slipped spot is not repairable.
B) Problem: “My hide has a smell to it”
Probable Causes: 1. Hide was not properly fleshed.
2. Hide was not properly degreased, washed, or deodorized.
Solution: Treat with deodorizer.
C) Problem: “My hide does not have any stretch or has excess shrinkage.”
Probable Causes: 1. Hide was not thinned properly.
2. Hide was not neutralized.
3. Hide was soaked too long in tanning solution (This occurs with soak tans more than brush tans)
Solution: Shave or thin the hide again.
D) Problem: “I can’t get the hide soft.”
Probable Causes: 1. Hide was not thinned properly.
2. Hide was left to dry too long without applying softening oil.
3. Hide wasn’t broken or not broken enough.
Solution: Shave or thin and apply warm oil.
E) Problem: “The hide has hard spots in it”
Probable Causes: 1. Hide has thick spots that did not get thinned.
2. Hide got folded over on itself in the pickle or neutralizing bath.
3. Hide was salt dried hard and not relaxed properly before putting it in the pickle.
4. Areas were missed in the breaking or oiling application.
Solution: Rehydrate, thin and treat with warm oil.