KROW OIL INSTRUCTIONS - 2

1. Tan your hide per the instructions with Krowtann 2000
2. Apply Krow-Oil to the flesh side of the skin and fold the skin up flesh to flesh. Leave it folded up at room temperature for 24 hours.

Method No.1

After step 2, mount the head as usual, then open up the rest of the skin and each day stretch and pull on your skin for a few minutes. Do this until the skin is completely dry. As it dries, it should start turning white as you pull on it. It is very important that you work the skin each day to obtain a soft piece of leather. After the skin is completely dry, re-oil the skin with Krow-Oil. As it is drying, continue to stretch it some and this should produce a soft leather. If any hard spots develop, lightly spray them with a 50/50 mixture of fabric softener and water and continue to work these spots. the more you work your skin the softer it will become. This method should produce a soft leather for you. To make your leather even softer, after doing the above, re-hydrate the skin in clear water for 45 minutes and then let it "sweat" in a cool place overnight. Then stretch out the skin into the shape you want and let it dry. After it's dry you can work the skin some more if you desire.

Method No.2

This method is the easiest, however it does not produce as soft a leather as method 1, but for most taxidermist this method will work fine for wall hangings and rug work. After step 2, mount your head if it is for a rug. While the skin is still wet, nail the skin using 3" finish nails to a sheet of plywood, stretching it in the shape you want. Pull the skin up on the nails where air can circulate between the skin and the plywood. When the skin is completely dry, apply another coat of Krow-Oil and let this dry. The skin should be relatively soft at this point.

These methods should work well for animals up to and including the size of deer. For elk and larger animals we would recommend sending the skin off to a professional tannery. Your degree of success will depend on your skill level.