Difference between revisions of "How to tan leather yourself?"
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The [[tanning leather|Tanning]] process is the most important step in the [[leather production|production of leather]]. Tanning preserves the animal skins in order to prevent the decomposition. | The [[tanning leather|Tanning]] process is the most important step in the [[leather production|production of leather]]. Tanning preserves the animal skins in order to prevent the decomposition. | ||
| − | There is a lot of information about tanning on the Internet and a lot of literature with tanning instructions. In any case, you should thoroughly study them and carefully observe all safety regulations as well as the disposal regulations. The result of leather tanned in a [[tannery]] is mostly better than a home tanning. [[Thickness of leather|Thick leather]] can only be split with a [[split leather|splitting machine]] and also all other [[leather production|tannery machines]] and drums cannot | + | There is a lot of information about tanning on the Internet and a lot of literature with tanning instructions. In any case, you should thoroughly study them and carefully observe all safety regulations as well as the disposal regulations. The result of leather tanned in a [[tannery]] is mostly better than a home tanning. [[Thickness of leather|Thick leather]] can only be split with a [[split leather|splitting machine]] and also all other [[leather production|tannery machines]] and drums cannot be easily replaced by manual work. |
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'''The first step is to get the skins to be tanned. Please note the following:''' | '''The first step is to get the skins to be tanned. Please note the following:''' | ||
| − | * Many rangers and hunters do not use the skin. It's waste for them. Therefore, ask if you can get useful skins. Wild breeders, slaughterhouses or butchers can also | + | * Many rangers and hunters do not use the skin. It's waste for them. Therefore, ask if you can get useful skins. Wild breeders, slaughterhouses or butchers can also help. |
| − | * The | + | * The skins should be as free from [[Natural markings on leather|natural markings and as undamaged]]as possible . Often hides are [[Leather cutting waste|cut wrong]] and have too many holes for good leather. Therefore, as far as possible, check for damages such as cuts, skin diseases or other skin damage. |
* The hides must be very fresh, so that the decay process is not yet started. | * The hides must be very fresh, so that the decay process is not yet started. | ||
'''Further preparations''' | '''Further preparations''' | ||
| − | * Select the place of tanning. Free nature or a shed, a garage etc. are suitable places. | + | * Select the place of tanning. Free nature or a shed, a garage etc. are suitable places. Ensure enough source of water is readily available nearby. |
* Tanning is wet and dirty. Choose suitable clothing (boots, apron, gloves) and work at temperatures that are not too hot or too cold to make the work enjoyable. | * Tanning is wet and dirty. Choose suitable clothing (boots, apron, gloves) and work at temperatures that are not too hot or too cold to make the work enjoyable. | ||
* Dispose residues. This prevents stench and does not attract insects or other vermin. | * Dispose residues. This prevents stench and does not attract insects or other vermin. | ||
| − | This information is not enough to be able to get started without the help of somebody experienced. There are often different ways of how to proceed. "Practice makes perfect", and everyone must find the best method. Depending on the skin size, animal type, whether with or without hair, | + | This information is not enough to be able to get started without the help of somebody experienced. There are often different ways of how to proceed. "Practice makes perfect", and everyone must find the best method. Depending on the skin size, animal type, whether with or without hair, many different methods can be attempted. |
Revision as of 18:59, 18 February 2017
The Tanning process is the most important step in the production of leather. Tanning preserves the animal skins in order to prevent the decomposition.
There is a lot of information about tanning on the Internet and a lot of literature with tanning instructions. In any case, you should thoroughly study them and carefully observe all safety regulations as well as the disposal regulations. The result of leather tanned in a tannery is mostly better than a home tanning. Thick leather can only be split with a splitting machine and also all other tannery machines and drums cannot be easily replaced by manual work.
The first step is to get the skins to be tanned. Please note the following:
- Many rangers and hunters do not use the skin. It's waste for them. Therefore, ask if you can get useful skins. Wild breeders, slaughterhouses or butchers can also help.
- The skins should be as free from natural markings and as undamagedas possible . Often hides are cut wrong and have too many holes for good leather. Therefore, as far as possible, check for damages such as cuts, skin diseases or other skin damage.
- The hides must be very fresh, so that the decay process is not yet started.
Further preparations
- Select the place of tanning. Free nature or a shed, a garage etc. are suitable places. Ensure enough source of water is readily available nearby.
- Tanning is wet and dirty. Choose suitable clothing (boots, apron, gloves) and work at temperatures that are not too hot or too cold to make the work enjoyable.
- Dispose residues. This prevents stench and does not attract insects or other vermin.
This information is not enough to be able to get started without the help of somebody experienced. There are often different ways of how to proceed. "Practice makes perfect", and everyone must find the best method. Depending on the skin size, animal type, whether with or without hair, many different methods can be attempted.
Additional information
- Tanning leather
- Tannins
- Chrome tanned
- Vegetable-tanned leather
- Synthetic tanned
- Chamois leather
- Tawing with alum
- Brain tanning
Videos about the leather production
The leather production in a modern tannery.
The brain tanning process.
| Tanning methods |
|---|
| Chrome tanning - Vegetable-tanned leather - Synthetic tanning - Tanning with fats and oils |
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