Hints and Tips

Subject: Tree Sap Removal

Author: Chris Shandro, Bruin Taxidermy

E-Mail: CBruinTaxidermy@aol.com

Problem" Recently a fellow brought in an elk head to be mounted with it's face covered in coniferous tree sap. Even though it smelled great, the customer wished it removed. Even after commercial tanning the sap remained. I experimented with various solvents and cleaners and found that normal Paint remover, a toothbrush, and rubber gloves did the trick. After soaking overnight, it
completely dissolved the sap without any damage to the hair. Finally, I washed the remaining solvent out with warm water and dish soap, dripped partially dry, and added the necessary tanning oils required to prevent total loss of moisture which the solvent causes and prevent cracking after mounting.
Hope this will be helpful to others

     
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