Removing creases from hide rugs

[AB2506]

Ladies and gentlemen, I received my African trophies in mid April of this year. All the skulls were prepped for skull mounts and I will be using Skull Hookers to attach them to the wall.

One thing that surprised me were the three felt-backed rugs (zebra, blesbok, impala). When I removed them from the crate, they were folded up very precisely and compactly in plastic wrappers. I removed the wrappers and laid them out on the floor, with the intent of hanging them on the wall. I expected the creases from the folding to eventually dissipate and them I could figure out where and how I was going to hang them.

Two months have passed and the creases are still pronounced. I have tried light weights on them, or hanging them over the couch. Nothing has seemed to work. The creases persist.

What should I do? Lightly steam with a steamer? Iron the felt? Again, what is the best method of hanging a large hide like a zebra?

Thanks for your help.

 

[sierraone]

Can't answer your question with any authority, but! I have bought Persian rugs in the past, both wool and silk. These rugs must be rolled, not folded or you will have the same problem you are having. If a taxidermist doesn't have an answer for you, take one of them to an oriental rug shop. They aren't specialists in animal hide rugs, but may know how to get the creases out.

 

[gizmo]

I bet Denis @The Artistry of Wildlife would know. Best of luck

 

[BRICKBURN]

Worked on Blesbok and Springbok. (No clue about thicker stuff)

1
Lay your hide on a smooth heat proof surface

2
Heat your Iron on a normal cotton temperature

3
Place a damp tea towel on the crease

4
Use your Iron to work out the crease by placing the Iron onto the damp tea towel and working in the direction of the hair on the hide smooth out the crease.

Note:
Apply a little pressure and keep your Iron moving.

 

[AB2506]

Worked on Blesbok and Springbok. (No clue about thicker stuff)

1
Lay your hide on a smooth heat proof surface

2
Heat your Iron on a normal cotton temperature

3
Place a damp tea towel on the crease

4
Use your Iron to work out the crease by placing the Iron onto the damp tea towel and working in the direction of the hair on the hide smooth out the crease.

Note:
Apply a little pressure and keep your Iron moving.

Hair side or felt side?

 

[BRICKBURN]

Mine were all straight leather.

On the hair side is fine as long as you go with the hair.

Both sides if you have a really stubborn crease.

Good luck.