Hey guys, what are some easy tanning methods for hides to make a smooth and soft buck skin finish? I did the salt method on a coon hide but it just came out hard and rough.
It was my first hide and after i fleshed it i applied salt rolled it up and let it dry. I kept applying salt and letting it dry about 4 times. After the last time it was fine it just hard. You can rub it against a post to break it but it gets hard again.
The hide needs to be smoked to set the tan. this will keep it from hardening very time it gets wet. Google “smoke tanning” and you will find links to numerous videos and instructions. The salt dries the hide, and in addition to breaking it you must apply some tanning solution. This rewets the hide, which is them smoke dried. After smoking the hide will remain soft for use.
Not sure why I had pictured a lady in a bikini laying in front of someone welding when I read the subject line of this post.