Use the Pickle Tan and Fur Oil from your ATS Tan-a-Fur Skin Kit to complete the tanning and oiling phase. Here’s how to do it right for a soft, lasting hide
This article continues the squirrel tanning tutorial using the Tan-a-Fur Skin kit from Advanced Tanning Solutions. If you’ve already completed Part One and Part Two of our series, you’re ready for the tanning and oiling phase. The steps outlined here are designed for squirrel skins but can be adapted to other fur skins using the same products and methods.
Step 6: Tanning
For tanning, the Pickle Tan A-21 bath will be re-used from Step 4. To start, raise the pH of your pickle bath by adding 2 tablespoons of baking soda per gallon of solution. Dissolve the baking soda in a small amount of hot water first, then stir it into the bath.
A light fizzing reaction is normal and expected. Once the fizzing settles, gently submerge the skin, removing any trapped air bubbles.
Let the squirrel skin soak for at least 4 hours. (Larger animals may require a full 12-24-hour soak.) The Pickle Tan A-21 used in the Tan-a-Fur Skin kit is pre-balanced for pH, so testing isn’t required. After soaking, remove the skin carefully using gloves, squeeze out excess liquid (without tugging on the fur), and drip-dry the skin fur-side up for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Oiling
Once drip-dried, the skin should be just slightly damp and ready for oiling. Note: if the skin it too wet, the oil will be diluted, if it is too dry, the oil won’t penetrate properly. Lay the skin flat, fur side down, and apply the Fur Oil provided in the kit. Open the tail to ensure it’s included. Pour a small amount of oil directly onto the flesh side and work it into all areas, including edges and creases, using your gloved fingers.
Use one finger like a squeegee to work oil from the center out toward the edges. Avoid holes and keep oil off the fur. Once covered, rub the oil in circular motions, starting from the outside and moving inward. For squirrel-sized hides, a little oil goes a long way. You’re finished when the oil has soaked in and the surface begins to feel tacky.
Finally, fold the skin flesh-to-flesh and let it rest overnight. This allows the oil to penetrate and begin the softening process ahead of the drying and stretching phase.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Use your saved Pickle Tan A-21 bath from Step 4 for squirrel hides; thicker skins need a longer soak before tanning.
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Raise pH by adding 2 tablespoons baking soda per gallon—dissolved in hot water first.
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Allow hide to soak in the Pickle Tan A-21 for at least 4 hours (or longer for bigger game).
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After tanning, drip-dry before oiling.
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Apply Fur Oil sparingly to the flesh side—avoid holes.
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Use gloved fingers to work oil from center to all edges,
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You’re done when the skin feels slightly tacky to the touch.
- Fold skin flesh-to-flesh and let sit overnight before stretching and finishing.
To continue, see the next guide in our series How to Tan a Squirrel Part 4: Drying, Stretching & Finishing.
