Full Animal Skin Tanning Guide - Alum Tanning a Sheepskin / Lambskin

Summary

This detailed video tutorial covers the entire process of tanning a lambskin, from initial preparation to the final product. It explains techniques for stretching and softening the skin, including using a rounded piece of hardwood and, optionally, a tumble dryer for breaking up fibers. The video also emphasizes the importance of sanding the skin to achieve a smooth texture, and advises on safety measures like wearing gloves and a dust mask. Overall, it provides a thorough, hands-on guide for transforming a raw lambskin into soft, finished leather.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proper skinning technique is crucial to avoid damaging the hide and to ensure a clean, usable product.
• 😀 Salt the skin for proper preservation if you're not tanning it immediately after skinning.
• 😀 Soaking the skin in a saline solution before tanning helps remove impurities and prepares it for further processing.
• 😀 The pickling process uses an acidic solution to further prepare the skin by breaking down proteins and ensuring a smooth finish.
• 😀 During tanning, it's important to stretch and break up the fibers of the skin to achieve a soft and pliable texture.
• 😀 Sanding the skin with finer sandpaper smooths out rough spots and improves the final product's texture.
• 😀 A tumble dryer can be used in the final stages of drying to help soften and break up the skin fibers, but care should be taken to avoid using a home dryer due to odor concerns.
• 😀 Regularly stretching the skin while it dries helps maintain softness and prevents it from becoming stiff.
• 😀 Wearing protective gloves and a dust mask during the process is essential to avoid injury and respiratory issues from skin dust and chemicals.
• 😀 The tanning process requires patience and thoroughness to ensure a high-quality finished product that will last and be soft to the touch.

Q & A

What is the first step in the tanning process for lamb skin?

The first step is to salt the lamb skin to preserve it. This process helps to draw out moisture and prevents the skin from rotting. The skin is then left to sit for several days until it is sufficiently dry.

Why is it important to use salt when preparing lamb skin for tanning?

Salt is essential for preserving the lamb skin, as it helps to draw out moisture, preventing bacterial growth and spoilage. It also aids in the initial drying process, which makes the skin easier to work with during tanning.

How long should you wait before working with the salted lamb skin?

After salting, the skin should be left to dry for several days. The skin must be sufficiently dry before you start the tanning process to ensure it is safe to handle and ready for stretching and further treatment.

What is the purpose of the stretching process during tanning?

The stretching process helps to break up the fibers in the skin, making it softer and more pliable. This is important for achieving a smooth, flexible leather product. It also helps prevent the skin from becoming stiff or brittle.

How can you further soften the skin while it is drying?

While the skin is drying, you can use a rounded piece of hard wood or another tool to stretch and pull the skin. Rubbing the skin also helps reduce tension and contributes to a softer texture.

Can a tumble dryer be used during the tanning process? If so, when?

Yes, a tumble dryer can be used without heat during the final stages of drying to further break up the fibers and help soften the skin. This should only be done when the skin is nearly dry, as excessive heat can damage the leather.

What should you do if you're using a tumble dryer to dry the skin?

When using a tumble dryer, ensure there is no heat applied, as this can cause damage. The skin should be allowed to tumble for a couple of hours to break up the fibers, but it should still be manually stretched during the final drying stages.

What is the importance of sanding the leather in the final stages of tanning?

Sanding is crucial for smoothing out any rough patches or knobby bits on the leather. It helps refine the texture and creates a soft, even finish. It's important to be thorough during this step to achieve a high-quality final product.

What precautions should be taken when sanding the leather?

When sanding the leather, it's recommended to wear gloves to protect your hands from abrasions. Also, wearing a proper dust mask is important to avoid inhaling particles that could irritate your lungs.

How can you ensure that the leather turns out soft and smooth?

To ensure a soft and smooth leather, it's important to be thorough with the stretching and sanding processes. Spending extra time breaking up the fibers and refining the texture will result in a much more supple final product.