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December 9, 2015
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There so many different tanning methods what is the best way that’s going to last forever on one’s trophy
Probably the best way to go is a commercial tannery like Carolina Fur Dressing. If you are doing it yourself, there are as many opinions as they are tanning agents out there! I have tried a lot of different products. Some with good results, others a total flop. Currently I am using Pro 1. It seems to work pretty good. Is it the best? A matter of opinion.
Experiment and keep your mind open to new things.
Vic
December 20, 2015
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I too prefer Lutan F along with a quality pickle and shave………………………..
April 25, 2016
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Im going to try Krowtann. Just ordered my first bottle. And goingto do a coyote for a full body mount. I like the idea of skipping the salting and pickling steps. Looks like a save time and money.
July 22, 2011
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JeremyLee said
Im going to try Krowtann. Just ordered my first bottle. And goingto do a coyote for a full body mount. I like the idea of skipping the salting and pickling steps. Looks like a save time and money.
Good Luck! Those steps are there for a reason and it is not to skip them. I recommend NEVER skipping the salting step. And you are not skipping the pickling step because Krowtann is nothing but a glorified pickle. It is impossible to pickle and “tan” in the same step.
With a coyote I would recommend at least 2 good degreasing baths.
DP
I would listen to D. Price if I were you. What little “time and money” you save could cost you your skin. Your call.
Vic
October 14, 2011
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As a taxidermist and tanner for over 20 years and one who has used all and every tanning product that has become available over the years and one who has Lutan F down to a science, I will tell you, you will be fine with the Krowtann.
But be sure to fully wash the skin and degrease after fleshing and before tanning. Also put a cap or two of Kemal-4 into the Krowtann.
Use the deer cape formula etc 8 onces of Krowtann 640z salt 2.5 gallons of water.
Mix the salt with very hot water prior to adding the Krowtann. Alloow to cool back down to room temp before adding the Krowtann.
Good luck.
Chief Editor of The Taxidermy Journal~TTN News Contributor
April 7, 2013
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Commercial tans, Lutan F, True bond, Liquatan, Paratan, Curatan, EZ100, Pro 1, Krowtan, McKenzie tans, John Rinehart cream, dry preservative powder, and on and on will all give you a quality mount that will last a lifetime IF they were done PROPERLY and kept out of sunlight and moisture and bug free.
December 16, 2016
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I have a similar question regarding the various methods however I do not wish to use any premade solutions or kits, I have access to many hides and wish to continue tanning. I have just started on a few hides using the alum method but have heard pickling is a better way to go, any opinions on the comparison?
also can any acid be used so long as the correct pH is attained? in particular I am wondering about ascorbic acid as it seems to be most easily acquired.
September 26, 2011
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Taxidermy Talk Administrator
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920.650.5457 a.n.stehling@gmail.com
July 22, 2011
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homesteader said
I have a similar question regarding the various methods however I do not wish to use any premade solutions or kits, I have access to many hides and wish to continue tanning. I have just started on a few hides using the alum method but have heard pickling is a better way to go, any opinions on the comparison?also can any acid be used so long as the correct pH is attained? in particular I am wondering about ascorbic acid as it seems to be most easily acquired.
If you are not pickling before using alum, you are correct, pickling will make your life a lot easier. Going straight to alum is going to tighten the fibers so much it will make the hide unworkable as far as thinning and breaking the skin. You need to pickle to plump the skin for much easier shaving/thinning. Once thinned you could then move to the alum for the tanning process.
Ascorbic Acid is just a glorified name for Vitamin C and dissolved in water will give you a pH of only around 2.5 or so, which in my opinion is not low enough to set the hair in the skins and control bacteria growth.
Formic Acid pickle followed up by tanning with Lutan FN will give you best results, followed by my second choice which would be Citric Acid pickle and then the Lutan FN.
The below link will lead you a video series that will cut the learning curve to a minimum.
https://fleshingmachines.com/t…..portsmen-2
DP
