Flat skins

[schmijar]

Hello all,

I just got the big wood crate with my taxidermy from my 2023 trip! There was nothing flashy or large taken and I opted for bleached skulls and tanned flat skins.

My question is, the skins all were neatly folded and wrapped, excellent packaging, however, the folded position has left them with creases and ridges in the hair. Will these fade on their own over time, or is there anything I can do to help smooth things out?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Triathlete3]

I have found that by just laying them out, and maybe putting some weight on them, the creases and folds come out.

 

[schmijar]

Any other suggestions? After 2 months under books etc, they aren't looking much different!

 

[Red Leg]

Take them to a taxidermist. He can flatten and back them with either leather or carpet backing, They will lay perfectly and last as long as you will.

 

[Ryan]

Mine did. I have a black and a blue wildebeest skin on the floor, no sign of creases. If you aren't putting all out I suggest rolling extra's in a tube while they wait. That ought to take any creases out

 

[baxterb]

That looks like a blesbok skin? I was given one many years ago and it had a few creases, but eventually went flat. cant say i remember when??

 

[schmijar]

That looks like a blesbok skin? I was given one many years ago and it had a few creases, but eventually went flat. cant say i remember when??

Yes that's a blesbok, I also have a hartebeest and a springbok. All beautiful, just would like them to smooth out!

 

[bashaw]

Iron the skin or just let it lay for a while

 

[Sabre]

I'm not a taxidermist, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

But if it were mine, I would take a damp towel (not soaking wet) and lay it on the bare hide side and iron it where the creases are. This would create moist heat which is usually the trick to getting creases out of most things. Then I would flip it over to the hair side and brush the hair all in one nice smooth direction. Then leave it flat in an open space to allow it to dry and set that way.

 

[schmijar]

I'm not a taxidermist, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

But if it were mine, I would take a damp towel (not soaking wet) and lay it on the bare hide side and iron it where the creases are. This would create moist heat which is usually the trick to getting creases out of most things. Then I would flip it over to the hair side and brush the hair all in one nice smooth direction. Then leave it flat in an open space to allow it to dry and set that way.

This is bold! I'm tempted but don't want to destroy the hide obviously.

 

[Triathlete3]

It took 6 months for my giraffe back skin to lose its creases. May just need to wait it out, which is the simplest and safest route.

 

[RR 314]

This is bold! I'm tempted but don't want to destroy the hide obviously.

I have done the same. No issues. I made a kudu book cover for a kid’s project and ironed in creases as well with this method. Creases stayed great. No damage.

 

[Ridge Runner]

It looks like a hard tan. By the photo I can only guess that the hide was salt tanned, washed, and air dried. I recommend you take it to a quality taxidermist to have it inspected and possibly softened.

 

[buck wild]

Ok you need to answer this question first. Are they stiff or soft (ish) ?

 

[schmijar]

They're quite soft.

 

[Ridge Runner]

PM @gizmo he should be able to answer your question in detail.

 

[Tucketed]

@Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS was kind enough to answer my thread on the same subject “
Hang ober a balusttade or a round wooden pole
The gravity will pull everthing straight after a while
Also best way to store skins is in a cupboard hanging over the rail
No folds no light etc”
I am trying it now.

 

[schmijar]

I did a part of the blesbok with the iron to see how it looked compared to the other half. The creases came out nicely but the hair looks no different. Im going to talk to a taxidermist but just be patient for now. Thanks all!

 

[buck wild]

They're quite soft.

Take a damp towel, but not dripping wet and lay over the rug making sure you slide the towel over in the direction of the hair so as not to rile it up anymore. Then lay a piece of plywood over the towel with some added weight. It should dry in several days. This will stiffen the hide a bit not not too much. Take it to a taxidermist and thats all they are going to go…,I should know I’m one

 

[schmijar]

Take a damp towel, but not dripping wet and lay over the rug making sure you slide the towel over in the direction of the hair so as not to rile it up anymore. Then lay a piece of plywood over the towel with some added weight. It should dry in several days. This will stiffen the hide a bit not not too much. Take it to a taxidermist and thats all they are going to go…,I should know I’m one

Thank you!