Tanning your hide is a craft that takes time and patience, but is incredibly rewarding once finished. Taking a raw skin and turning it into something soft and ready to use; that’s something to be proud of. But it’s easy to make a few missteps that can ruin all your hard work.
Storing the skin wrong, using a poor hide tanning solution, or just moving too fast are things that can lead to hair slipping, cracking, or a stiff and unusable hide.
We’ve seen it all, and we’ve made a few of these mistakes ourselves. That’s why we put this guide together. These are the most common taxidermy tanning mistakes we hear about, and some simple tips to help you avoid hide slippage and get better results every time you tan.
1. Over-Fleshing the Hide
It might seem like the more flesh you remove, the better. But overdoing it can thin out the skin too much or even tear it. Over-fleshing is one of the easiest ways to damage a good hide before the tanning even begins.
Tip: Use a steady hand and the right fleshing tools. Take your time and focus on removing meat and fat while keeping the skin layer intact. If you're using an Auto Tanner, the fleshing process still matters, so try not to rush it.
2. Improper Hide Storage
Before your hide ever sees a tanning solution, it needs to be properly stored. A fast way to ruin a hide is to let it sit too long in warm temps or fold it up wet. That leads to bacteria growth, hair slip, and eventually a garbage pile.
Tip: If you can’t start tanning your hide right away, salt it down thoroughly and store it in a cool and dry place. Freezing is also an option, just make sure the hide is laid flat and sealed to avoid freezer burn.
3. Skipping the Pickling Step
Pickling helps open the skin fibers so they better absorb the hide tanning solution. If you skip this or don’t let the hide pickle long enough, the end result will be a hide that’s stiff and uneven, or doesn’t tan completely.
Tip: Give the hide at least 24–48 hours in the pickle solution, and check pH levels often. Good prep work means a better final tan.
4. Using the Wrong Tanning Solution
Not all tanning methods work the same. Using a low-quality or wrong formula can cause hide slippage, cracking, or an uneven tan. If you’re trying to tan at home, you should choose an animal hide tanning solution that’s reliable and made specifically for what you’re working with.
Tip: Stick with a proven leather tanning solution or hide tanning solution like the one that comes with an Auto Tanner system.
5. Rushing the Process
It’s tempting to want to speed things up, especially after all the hard work that goes into prepping a hide. But skipping steps or pulling a hide out too early is one of the worst taxidermy tanning mistakes out there.
Tip: Take your time. Let each step do its job, whether it’s the soak, pickle, or tan. Follow the directions for your hide tanning solution, and don’t cut corners. That’s how you avoid hide slippage and end up with a strong hide that lasts.
6. Poor Hide Care After Tanning
A hide that’s property tanned still needs some care. Leaving it in a hot shed, folding it damp, or forgetting to oil it can dry it out fast.
Tip: Keep your hides in a dry, cool spot, and follow basic taxidermy skin care tips. Apply oil or leather conditioner regularly, and handle them properly to keep the hair and skin looking great for the long run.
Get Better Results, Every Time — Trust Auto Tanner
Animal hide tanning is a craft, and the right knowledge, tools, and habits can help you get better results every time. Take the time to avoid these common taxidermy tanning mistakes, and you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration down the road.
Get in touch with us today to find the perfect Auto Tanner for your needs and get cleaner, softer hides every time you tan.