Tanning Hides - Brain Tanning
Braining
Next step is called braining or brain tanning. This step replaces the harsh chemicals used by modern methods of tanning and actually leaves the pelt softer! Older is better imagine that!
Optional Step: Before the application of brains to the hide, soak the hide in an ash and water slurry for 12 to 24 hours but only if you want the hair removed for leather. The slurry helps prep the hide for tanning.
Remove the brain from the animal's head and mix with water about 1/2 cup (.11 liters) for squirrels, 1 1/2 cups (.35 liters) of water for a coon sized animal, on up commensurate with the size of the animal. Cook this mixture for about 10 minutes. Then mash the brain and water into an oily liquid.
Use a rough rock or better yet sandpaper if you have it to rough up the surface of the pelt. Apply 1/2 of the mixture to the flesh side of the pelt by rubbing it in evenly on the pelt. Allow this to dry overnight.
Now repeat the process. On larger animals you will probably want to do this in more applications since their pelt is thicker. Do two coatings for small animals and more for bigger animals.
Proceed to Softening Step 4
Return to Tanning Step 1
Next step is called braining or brain tanning. This step replaces the harsh chemicals used by modern methods of tanning and actually leaves the pelt softer! Older is better imagine that!
Optional Step: Before the application of brains to the hide, soak the hide in an ash and water slurry for 12 to 24 hours but only if you want the hair removed for leather. The slurry helps prep the hide for tanning.
Remove the brain from the animal's head and mix with water about 1/2 cup (.11 liters) for squirrels, 1 1/2 cups (.35 liters) of water for a coon sized animal, on up commensurate with the size of the animal. Cook this mixture for about 10 minutes. Then mash the brain and water into an oily liquid.
Use a rough rock or better yet sandpaper if you have it to rough up the surface of the pelt. Apply 1/2 of the mixture to the flesh side of the pelt by rubbing it in evenly on the pelt. Allow this to dry overnight.
Now repeat the process. On larger animals you will probably want to do this in more applications since their pelt is thicker. Do two coatings for small animals and more for bigger animals.
Proceed to Softening Step 4
Return to Tanning Step 1
