Tanning animal skins is a detailed process that transforms raw hides into durable, attractive leather or fur products. Here's an overview of how it’s done:
Skinning - in the field
Carefully remove the hide from the animal, preserving its shape and minimizing cuts or holes. Pay special attention to delicate areas like the tail and face if they’re part of the rug.
Fleshing
Remove all fat, meat, and connective tissue from the flesh side of the hide
Salting
Generously apply non-iodized salt to the flesh side of the hide to draw out moisture and prevent bacterial growth. Fold the hide flesh-to-flesh, roll it up, and store it in a cool, dry place for 24–48 hours. Salting is repeated no fluids are released.
Soaking and Washing
Rinse the hide to remove salt and prepare it for tanning.
Tanning
Apply a tanning solution to stabilize the proteins in the skin and prevent decay.
Oiling and Breaking
Apply leather oil or conditioner to keep the hide supple. Stretch and work the hide manually to soften it (“breaking” the hide).
Finishing
Trim edges, brush the fur, and optionally dye or shape the hide. The final product should be soft, clean, and ready for use.
Tanning animal skins is a detailed process that transforms raw hides into durable, attractive leather or fur products. Here's an overview of how it’s done:
Skinning - in the field
Carefully remove the hide from the animal, preserving its shape and minimizing cuts or holes. Pay special attention to delicate areas like the tail and face if they’re part of the rug.
Fleshing
Remove all fat, meat, and connective tissue from the flesh side of the hide
Salting
Generously apply non-iodized salt to the flesh side of the hide to draw out moisture and prevent bacterial growth. Fold the hide flesh-to-flesh, roll it up, and store it in a cool, dry place for 24–48 hours. Salting is repeated no fluids are released.
Soaking and Washing
Rinse the hide to remove salt and prepare it for tanning.
Tanning
Apply a tanning solution to stabilize the proteins in the skin and prevent decay.
Oiling and Breaking
Apply leather oil or conditioner to keep the hide supple. Stretch and work the hide manually to soften it (“breaking” the hide).
Finishing
Trim edges, brush the fur, and optionally dye or shape the hide. The final product should be soft, clean, and ready for use.