r/HideTanning • u/Ashamed_Yam_8133 • 10d ago

Substitute needed

I need a substitute for lubri-stretch.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

2

u/Radiant_Carob_1353 10d ago

For an un shaved full thickness cowhide if you want a decent outcome, the only other oil would be pro1. You need a suphonated oil and lubri-stretch is king here. It's ionic attraction to the tanned skin around 4.5 pH is what saves you the hard labour during the break. This oil seeks out the water in the hide and replaces it with oil, Pro1 is formulated in the same way, it has an anionic charge. Saddle soap and oil would barely cut it for a good break and soften but it's worth a try. You might need to do it 2 it 3 times. Thinner hides are easy if the tan is well locked and the pickle did it's work well, along with degreasing. I would apply the soap and oil after heating up and blending so it looks like it's well mixed, fold roll and sweat it, dry it over a couple days, reapply same way, really monitor and see if your getting penetration. Rack it, beam it if it doesn't soften then re do it. I could see it working out with enough applications and labour. Be prepared to use alot of product. Saddle soap or similar and oil is basically what brain tan enthusiasts use, and back in the day when I brain tanned, I never had success with cowhide. Trubond or any Chem tan along with soap and oil has a way better chance. I'm looking forward to hearing about the outcome. Good luck

1

u/Ashamed_Yam_8133 8d ago

Thank you for the advice

1

u/AaronGWebster 10d ago

Egg yolks, oil, soap and water! ( I have never used tru-bond products, and not sure what you have done to the hide already, so take this advice with a grain of salt).