Home Tanning

[mjollner]

Can anyone suggest a good and simple tanning solution and method. I need something to tan small game pelts. Also, any recommended books on the subject? Thanks.

[southerngurl]

At first I thought, Home Tanning? What do tanning beds have to do with homesteading? :haha:

Try looking up "brain tanning" on google.

[kitty32_z8]

If you want hair on, you can use borax. Works very well on small game pelts.

Kathy

[Kevin in MD]

I post the following response on another thread but seem relevant for your question as well

Tannin can be extracted from leaves and bark of most trees(some a lot better than others). I found the following webpage that explains the process if you feel like trying it.

http://www.braintan.com/barktan/2tannins.htm

[Nick53]

Go to www.taxidermy.net they have a separate tanning forum with lots of helpful folks and an extensive archive too. You should be able to find lots of good beginner tips there. There also is a link to WASCO, which is a taxidermy/tanning supplier. They have a small mammal tanning kit with everything ya need for $14.95.

Nick

[Bob Mc]

I have a container of Kwik-N-Eze, a commercially available tanning solution. Haven’t tried it yet, but supposed to be plenty to tan several hides. The only other necessary ingredient is a brine solution. Soak the hide in brine, then apply the tanning solution with a brush. Of course the hide must be properly fleshed first.

[cowboy joe]

I've used wood ash in place of lye or acid with good success on larger hides. The ashes do occasionally stain the hide. I have my first batch of rabbit skins soaking right now so I'm not sure about the results with smaller hides.

http://www.braintan.com

As mentioned, the Brain Tan website has bunches of information & their methods work.

[Jan Doling]

southerngurl :

I read it like you did, only I thought "Homesteaders are usually tanner than anyone else I know just from working outside so much"