Using Calcium Hydroxide (Hydrated Lime)

Directions for De-Hairing with Calcium Hydroxide (Hydrated Lime)

If you plan to make leather, you must remove the hair or fur before you put the hide in the tanning solution. The proper time to do this is right after you have fleshed the hide. Make a de-hairing solution of warm soft water and add calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime.) Mixing ratio is one pound to 10 gallons of water. This will do approximately 20 pounds of hide.

Place hide in this solution and stir as often as you can, several times a day, until the hair starts to slip or come out easily. This will generally vary from 2-4 days, depending upon the type and thickness of hide and temperature of the solution. Deer and antelope hides usually slip easily. When you are sure the hide is ready to slip, place it over your fleshing beam, hair side up and with your fleshing tool or even your hand, you should be able to push the hair off in large globs. When all the hair is off, rinse the hide thoroughly several times in room temperature water until the rinse water looks fairly clean. Now you are ready for de-liming and bating. De-liming is the process of stopping the lime action in the hide (an alkaline state). Bating replaces enzymes lost as a result of the lime action in the hide, allowing a more even tan.

Into 10 gallons lukewarm water, add 8 oz. of Ammonium Sulfate (de-limer) and 1 to 1 1/3 oz of Oropon N-10 (bate). Place de-haired skins into this solution and let stand. Agitate skins frequently and remove after 4 to 6 hours, rinse skins thoroughly in clear water. Now skins are ready for pickle or tanning solutions. Or you may use lactic acid, mix two ounces to 10 gal. soft water, as a de-liming solution. Place washed, de-haired hides in this solution and leave approximately 24-48 hours, depending on how many times you stir it. If you stir quite frequently, it takes less time. After this time period, take out and wash the hide several times in 75-85 degrees F. water. Now the hide is ready to tan.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN!
THESE PRODUCTS INTENDED SOLELY FOR MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRIAL USE.
RUBBER GLOVES RECOMMENDED WHEN WORKING WITH CHEMICALS.

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