Coon Skin Tanning

[Swamp Critter]

Originally Posted by QUACKHEAD

Hey Swamp Critter, one of the best test is smell. Does it smell like it has started to spoil/rot. Also you said that the hair is holding which is very good. I would try to start the process soon so the curing can start. You should be ok with it. Good luck and keep us informed how it goes.

It did start to smell, and a little hair slipped. However, re-salting stopped the smell, and the little hair slippage MAY be reversable. It's a dry pelt, it's just discolored on the inside. My last coonskin I tanned, I used alum, saltpeter, and borax. The alum, as I remember, was the chemical that tightens the skin and holds the hair firmly. I just can't remember the amounts, because it was years ago. If I could find that recipe (and I've searched online - not as easy as you'd think), with the proper amounts, I'd be ready to try this one. Still, I'm not against trying something different. I know there are kits available, and I may have to end up going that route. Still, I'd like to try some home method that's simple and with easily available materials.