Liqua-Tan Instructions: Deer

Liqua-Tan can be used many different ways. The following is a simple, yet effective method that we have used with success:

1. Turn the ears and lips, then remove cartilage from the nose. Remove large meat chunks and fat from the hide. This is NOT when to shave hide. Salt hides thoroughly as soon as possible. Roll hide up and arrange it so it will drain. (lay over fleshing beam, sawhorse, etc.) Let it drain for 24 hours.
2. Next, unroll the hide and shake the wet salt out of the hide. Resalt hide and leave again for 24 hours. It is not necessary to roll hide this second time. Just simply lying across the fleshing beam.
3. Mix the solution in a plastic container as follows:
   • 2 lbs. salt to one gallon of hot water
   • 1 oz. Kemal-4 to 5 gallons of water
   • 1 capful concentrated Lysol (brown bottle) or 2 tbsp. Basacryl, to 5 gallons of water
   • Let cool to room temperature (We’ve found that a 5-gallon solution works well for 2 hides)
4. Rehydrate the hide in the solution until soft. (Usually 24 hours) NEVER put a hide in a hot solution, as this may cause hair slippage. ALWAYS let the solution cool to room temperature.
5. Remove hide from the solution, towel to remove excess moisture, then shave.
6. Wash hides THOROUGHLY with water and Kemal-4 (1 oz to 5 gal.). All salt residues must be removed at this point. Any salt residue left in the hide will cause your mount to “sweat” in humid conditions. Rinse the hide in fresh water to ensure this.
7. Tumble or towel hide to remove excess moisture.
8. Heat Liqua-Tan by placing a bottle in plastic container filled with hot water.
9. Spread hide on cardboard, then paint Liqua-Tan on with a paintbrush. If you intend to leave cartilage in the ears, paint both inside and outside of the ears to ensure thorough tanning.
10. Roll hide and leave at room temperature, 4 hours minimum.
11. Hide may then be either mounted immediately or frozen.

Note:

This whole operation should be done at room temperature for best results. There is virtually no shrinkage with Liqua-Tan therefore reducing the need for pins, etc. Liqua-Tan allows good stretchability and no hair slippage if done using the method we have described.