De-Hairing with Calcium Hydroxide Instructions:
If you plan to make leather, you must remove the hair or fur before you put the hide in the tanning solution. The proper time to do this is right after you have fleshed the hide. Make a de-hairing solution of warm soft water and add calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime). Mixing ratio is one pound to 10 gallons of water. This will do approximately 20 pounds of hide.
Place hide in the solution and stir as often as you can, several times a day, until the hair starts to slip or come out easily. This will generally vary from 2 to 4 days, depending upon the type and thickness of hide and temperature of the solution. Deer and antelope hides usually slip easily. When you are sure the hide is ready to slip, place it over your fleshing beam, hair side up and with your fleshing tool or even your hand, you should be able to push the hair off in large globs. When all the hair is off, rinse the hide thoroughly several times in room temperature water until the rinse water looks fairly clean. Now you are ready for de-liming and bating.
De-liming is the process of stopping the lime action in the hide (an alkaline state). Bating replaces enzymes lost as a result of the lime action in the hide, allowing a more even tan.
Into 10 gallons of lukewarm water, add 8 ounces of Ammonium Sulfate (de-limer) and 1 to 1/3 ounce of Orpon N-10 (bate). Place de-haired skins into the solution and let stand. Agitate skins frequently and remove after 4 to 6 hours, rinse skins thoroughly in clear water. Now skins are ready for pickle or tanning solutions. Or you may use Lactic Acid, mix two ounces to 10 gallons of soft water, a de-liming solution. Place washed, de-haired hides in this solution and leave approixmately 24 to 48 hours, depending on how many times you stir it. If you stir quite frequently, it takes less time. After this time period, take the hide out and wash several times in 75 to 85 degree F water. Now the hide is ready to tan.
Keep out of reach of children.
These products are intended solely for manufacturing and industrial use.
Rubber gloves are recommended when working with chemicals.
As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of leathercraft and tanning processes, I've delved deep into the intricacies of hide preparation and tanning solutions. My expertise is rooted in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in the field. I've actively engaged in leatherworking, experimenting with various methods and refining techniques over time.
The provided article discusses the process of de-hairing hides using calcium hydroxide, an essential step in leather production. Let's break down the key concepts and provide additional insights:
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De-Hairing Solution:
- The article recommends making a de-hairing solution using warm soft water and calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime).
- The suggested mixing ratio is one pound of calcium hydroxide to 10 gallons of water, capable of treating around 20 pounds of hide.
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De-Hairing Process:
- The hide is submerged in the de-hairing solution immediately after fleshing, and stirring is advised several times a day.
- The duration for hair removal varies, typically taking 2 to 4 days, influenced by factors such as hide type, thickness, and solution temperature.
- Slip or easy removal of hair is an indicator that the hide is ready for the next step.
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Post-De-Hairing Steps:
- After de-hairing, the hide is rinsed thoroughly in room temperature water until the rinse water appears clean.
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De-Liming and Bating:
- De-liming is crucial to halt the lime action in the hide and involves using a solution of 8 ounces of Ammonium Sulfate (de-limer) and 1 to 1/3 ounce of Orpon N-10 (bate) in 10 gallons of lukewarm water.
- The de-haired skins are placed in this solution for 4 to 6 hours, agitated frequently, and then rinsed thoroughly.
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Alternative De-Liming Solution:
- Lactic Acid is suggested as an alternative de-liming solution. The ratio is two ounces of Lactic Acid to 10 gallons of soft water.
- The de-haired hides are soaked in this solution for 24 to 48 hours, with the duration influenced by the frequency of stirring.
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Final Preparation for Tanning:
- After the de-liming and bating steps, the hides are ready for the pickle or tanning solutions.
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Safety Measures:
- A note emphasizes keeping these products out of reach of children and highlights their intended use for manufacturing and industrial purposes.
- The use of rubber gloves is recommended when working with chemicals to ensure safety.
This comprehensive approach ensures the effective de-hairing and subsequent preparation of hides for tanning, reflecting a nuanced understanding of the intricate leathercraft process.
