Pickle Tan A-21

Pickle-Tan A-21

Flagship All-In-One Pickle & Tan

Pickle-Tan A-21 is a totally new concept in tanning—a professional powder tan that pickles and tans in one step. Developed specifically to prevent acid rot, this altered alum tan blend eliminates the need for separate pickling and tanning baths, saving both time and resources while delivering superior results.

Unlike traditional acid pickles, Pickle-Tan A-21 produces minimal shrinkage, provides a smoother, easier shave, and eliminates hair curling often caused by strong acids. It offers excellent stretch, softness, hair setting, and stitch-holding ability, making it ideal for taxidermy tanning or flat skin tanning.  Pickle Tan A-21  can be used for everything from small game skins to large, thick hides such as elk, moose, and bison.

It dissolves easily in hot water, will not cake or harden, and penetrates quickly for consistent, repeatable tanning results—without the hazards of working with dangerous acids.

After tanning, follow up with the appropriate swab oil based on the type of hide or skin being processed.

• Use Hide Oil for larger mammals such as deer, antelope, elk, moose, bison/buffalo, and similar animals

• Use Fur Oil for smaller, thin-skinned fur bearers such as rabbit, fox, coyote, raccoon, beaver, and similar skins

Features

• All-in-one pickle and tan powder

• Developed specifically to prevent acid rot

• Combines pickling and tanning baths

• Provides smoother, easier shaving than acid pickles

• Excellent stretch and softness

• Great hair setting and stitch-holding ability

• Eliminates hair curling caused by strong acids

• Fast penetration for consistent results

• Will not cake or harden and dissolves easily with hot water

• Suitable for small game skins through large, thicker hides
  

Specifications

• Product Type: Powdered pickle & tan

• Tan Type: Altered alum blend

• Use On: Hides and skins (hair-on or hair-off)

• Hide Sizes: Small game to large mammals (moose, bison, etc.)

• Application Stage: Pickling and tanning combined

• Follow-Up Required: Swab oil (Hide Oil or Fur Oil based on species)

Directions & Additional Resources:
Download Pickle Tan A-21 Tanning Directions (PDF)

The Pickle-Tan A-21 System

A Proven, Professional Workflow

Pickle-Tan A-21 is designed to work as part of a complete, streamlined tanning system. The product plays a specific role, creating consistent, repeatable results across a wide range of hides and skins.

Step 1: Prepare & Relax
Start by properly fleshing and salting the hide. Next rehydrate - for stiff, dried, or difficult to relax hides, use Hide Relaxer XL7 to fully open the fiber structure and prepare the hide for the pickle.

Step 3: Pickle & Tan (All in One)
Use Pickle-Tan A-21 to pickle and tan in a single bath. This step sets the hair, prevents acid rot, minimizes shrinkage, and prepares the hide for shaving and finishing.

Step 4: Oil & Finish
After shaving and tanning, apply the appropriate swab oil:

• Hide Oil for large mammals and thicker hides

• Fur Oil for smaller, thin-skinned fur bearers

This system eliminates unnecessary steps while delivering professional-grade results from start to finish.

Why Pickle-Tan A-21 vs Traditional Acid Pickles

Traditional acid pickling systems only prepare hides for tanning. Pickle-Tan A-21 changes that and does both.

Pickle-Tan A-21

• Pickles and tans in one step

• Prevents acid rot

• Produces minimal shrinkage

• Provides smoother, easier shaving

• Excellent stretch, softness, and stitch-holding ability

• Eliminates hair curling from strong acids
  

• Fast penetration and consistent results

Traditional Acid Pickles

• Pickle only — require a separate tanning bath
  

• Can cause increased shrinkage

• Harsher on hair and skin

• May require handling strong, hazardous acids

• More steps, more time, more cost

The Difference:
Pickle-Tan A-21 simplifies the process while improving the final result—making it the preferred system for both professional tanneries and serious DIY tanners.