Unpacking the Fundamentals
The allure of animal skin with fur has captivated humanity for millennia. From providing warmth and protection to serving as symbols of status and tools for craft, the utilization of animal hides has deep roots in our history and continues to be relevant today. Whether you’re a craft enthusiast, a hunter wanting to preserve a prized trophy, or someone interested in historical crafts, learning how to preserve animal skin with fur is a valuable skill. This guide provides a comprehensive approach, offering the knowledge and techniques required to successfully preserve your precious specimens. The goal is not only to create a beautiful and enduring piece but also to respect the animal and honor its legacy.
Understanding that preserving animal skin with fur is a process that requires patience, precision, and a commitment to ethical practices is crucial before you begin. Proper techniques are essential not just for achieving a desirable outcome but also for safeguarding the health and longevity of the fur and the skin itself. Failing to do so can lead to decomposition, hair loss, and eventual loss of the entire skin.
Before you even contemplate starting, consider the legal and ethical ramifications. In many areas, there are regulations concerning the acquisition and preservation of animal skins. Always research and abide by the local laws, permits, and guidelines. Be mindful of the source of the hide, and respect the animal. Ethical sourcing is paramount.
The success of any preservation method hinges on understanding the very structure you’re trying to preserve. Animal skin is a complex material, a living tissue at one point, composed of several layers working in harmony. The outermost layer, the epidermis, protects the skin from the outside world. Below that lies the dermis, the thickest layer, which contains hair follicles, blood vessels, and glands. The dermis provides the strength and flexibility of the skin. Finally, there’s the subcutaneous layer, which contains fat and connects the skin to the underlying tissues.
The goal of preservation is to halt the natural processes of decomposition, and preserve the structural integrity of the skin and fur. Without proper intervention, bacteria and enzymes present within the skin and those introduced from the outside will cause the skin to rot. This leads to an unpleasant smell, the loss of the hair, and ultimately, the complete destruction of the hide.
Safety always comes first. The preservation process involves working with potentially hazardous materials and sharp tools. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves to protect your hands from chemicals and bacteria, a respirator or mask to avoid inhaling dust or fumes, and eye protection to shield your eyes from splashes or airborne particles. Good ventilation is also critical. Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid the build-up of dangerous gases.
Setting the Stage: Preparation is Key
The initial preparation steps are perhaps the most important. They set the foundation for a successful preservation process. Any shortcuts taken here will likely lead to issues later.
The first step is skinning the animal. You’ll need a sharp knife, ideally a dedicated skinning knife designed for this purpose. Carefully separate the skin from the carcass, taking care not to cut into the skin itself. A blunt knife makes this process more difficult and increases the risk of damaging the skin. Try to keep the knife angled away from the skin while making cuts.
When removing the skin, make a slit along the inside of the legs from paw to the body and peel away the hide. It’s always best to start at the legs and work up toward the belly and back. Carefully peel the skin away from the underlying muscle, working slowly and methodically. Take special care when skinning around the face and feet, as these areas are more delicate.
Once the skin is removed, it’s time for cleaning and preparing it. The goal is to remove any excess meat, fat, and membrane attached to the underside of the skin. This process is known as fleshing. You can use a fleshing knife, a specialized tool with a curved blade, or a sharp knife. Scrape away any remaining flesh and fat. Leaving this material on the skin will attract insects and cause the skin to rot.
Then, thoroughly wash the skin. Use cold water and a mild soap. Avoid harsh detergents, as they can damage the fur and skin. Gently scrub the skin, paying attention to any areas with dirt or debris. Rinse the skin thoroughly to remove all traces of soap.
The next critical step is salting. Salting is a method of preserving animal hides to dry them out and get them ready for preservation. It removes moisture from the skin, making it an inhospitable environment for bacteria, and thus slowing down decay. Cover the entire flesh side of the skin with a generous layer of salt, making sure that every area is covered. Non-iodized salt is preferred. If the hide is large, you can layer it on a sloped surface with the flesh side up, then cover it in a thick layer of salt. After the first day, roll up the hide and store it out of sunlight for the preservation.
The length of time you salt the skin depends on the thickness of the hide and the ambient temperature. It usually takes a few days to a week. You’ll know the skin is properly salted when it becomes stiff and dry to the touch. During the salting process, periodically check the skin and remove any excess moisture. If the salt becomes saturated, you can add more salt or replace the existing layer. Once the skin is completely salted, you can store it for weeks or even months, depending on the method you intend to use for the final preservation.
Exploring Preservation Techniques
There are several ways to preserve the skin. Let’s explore the major approaches.
Tanning
Tanning is the process of converting the putrescible skin into durable, flexible, and stable leather. The tanning process involves changing the protein structure of the skin, making it resistant to decay and making the fur durable. The method you choose will greatly impact the texture and properties of the finished product.
Vegetable Tanning
This is one of the oldest forms of tanning, employing tannins extracted from plants like tree bark, leaves, and fruits. Vegetable tanning produces leathers with a rich, warm color and a firm feel. This is also a traditional process, making it a popular choice.
The process starts by soaking the skin in a series of increasingly concentrated tannin solutions. This process can take days, even weeks.
The tanned skin is then stretched and dried to remove wrinkles.
Vegetable-tanned leathers are generally very stable and have a beautiful natural appearance, but they can be less flexible than other types of leather.
Chemical Tanning
Also known as chrome tanning, is a faster and more efficient method. It uses chromium salts to tan the skin. This produces a soft, supple leather that is resistant to water and wear.
The skins are soaked in a solution of chromium salts.
The tanning process is much faster than vegetable tanning, often taking only a few hours.
Chrome-tanned leather is very versatile and is used in a wide range of products.
Keep in mind that the process involves toxic chemicals and should be handled carefully.
Brain Tanning
This is a traditional method, where the skin is tanned using a mixture of animal brains, traditionally from the same animal.
Brain tanning is a more labor-intensive process, requiring a lot of physical work.
The brains are mixed with water and worked into the skin, which is then stretched and dried.
Brain-tanned leather is very soft, supple, and water-resistant.
Drying and Mounting
Depending on your goals, you may want to dry and mount the skin without tanning. This is often done with smaller skins or those intended for decorative purposes.
Air Drying
This is the simplest method. After salting and fleshing, the skin is stretched out on a frame or board and allowed to dry naturally.
This process can take several days or even weeks, depending on the environment.
Make sure the skin is stretched smoothly to prevent wrinkles and distortions.
Frame Drying
This involves stretching the skin onto a frame, such as a wooden frame or wire mesh.
This helps to keep the skin flat and prevent it from shrinking.
You can use clamps, tacks, or lacing to secure the skin to the frame.
It is important to avoid rapid drying, as this can cause the skin to become hard and brittle. The skin needs time to dry slowly to remain flexible.
Taxidermy
Taxidermy is the art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting animal skins. It is often used to preserve animal skins with fur. This is a complex process, often best left to professional taxidermists.
This process usually involves removing the bones, muscles, and internal organs from the animal.
A form is often made of the animal’s body, and then the skin is placed over the form.
The taxidermist then sews the skin together.
Finally, the taxidermist will add details such as eyes and teeth to give the animal a lifelike appearance.
Extending the Lifespan: Post-Preservation Care
The work doesn’t end with the preservation process. Proper care ensures the longevity and beauty of your preserved skin.
Proper storage is crucial. The ideal storage conditions are a cool, dry, and dark environment. Humidity, heat, and light can all damage preserved skins. Protect from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Use airtight containers and a desiccant to further control humidity.
Insects, especially moths, can cause significant damage. Use insect repellents such as cedar chips or mothballs, but do so with care. Do not allow the repellents to come into direct contact with the skin or fur. Regularly inspect the preserved skin for any signs of insect activity.
Regular cleaning is also essential. Use a soft brush to remove dust and debris. Avoid using harsh detergents or cleaners, as they can damage the fur and skin. Clean the fur and skin gently. If the skin is in a display case, use a vacuum to remove dust gently.
Addressing Common Issues
Even with careful preservation, issues can sometimes arise.
Hair slippage can be caused by a number of factors, including improper fleshing, bacterial growth, or improper tanning. If you notice the hair slipping, it’s important to act quickly. You may need to re-tan the skin or seek professional help.
Insect infestation is a common problem. Moths, beetles, and other insects can damage the fur and skin. Inspect your preserved skin regularly for any signs of insect activity. If you find insects, remove them immediately and clean the affected area.
Dryness or brittleness can be caused by excessive heat or improper storage. Prevent this by storing the skin in a cool, dry place. If the skin becomes dry, you may be able to rehydrate it by applying a small amount of oil or conditioner.
Final Thoughts
Preserving animal skin with fur is a rewarding experience. By understanding the fundamental principles, meticulously following the steps outlined in this guide, and practicing patience, you can successfully preserve your skin and fur.
Remember that it’s a learning process. Be open to experimentation and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Seek out resources. There are many books, websites, and online courses that can help you improve your skills and learn new techniques. The more you learn and practice, the better you will become at the art of preservation.
By honoring these traditions and employing the correct techniques, you will ensure that the skin continues to bring beauty, and remind the world of the animal’s grace.
