chocolateducttape Report post Posted January 10, 2008 Should you use a finish on deerskin? (i.e. when making garments and things) If so, what works well? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted January 10, 2008 (edited) Should you use a finish on deerskin? (i.e. when making garments and things)If so, what works well? NO FINISH....JUST MAKE IT AND WEAR IT.THAT IS WHAT I DO . THIS IS A FRINGED DEERSKIN SHIRT I MADE LAST YEAR. I AM ON THE RIGHT.... * THANK YOU JOHANNA* Edited January 10, 2008 by Luke Hatley Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Regis Report post Posted January 11, 2008 Good picture Luke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beaverslayer Report post Posted January 11, 2008 I second the motion for no finish, I tried once a long time ago with neatsfoot oil, and it just ruined it. Ken Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chocolateducttape Report post Posted January 11, 2008 Cool. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MIDDAYMOON Report post Posted January 12, 2008 I just found this site yesterday & love it. The only thing I do to deerskin to prevent it from getting hard spots after it dries if you get it wet or to keep it from discoloring after it gets wet is to smoke it with a cold hardwood smoke. It takes a bit of prep to make a smoker & to keep a close eye on it so that it doesn't get to warm while it is in the smoker. It will darken your hide. The degree depends on how long you smoke it. Patterns can also be smoked onto the hide. Have fun! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sheathmaker Report post Posted January 13, 2008 I have to agree with everyone so far that garments or other wearables should have no finish. I do line all my knife sheaths with deer skin and in that case the exposed deer skin gets the same finish as the rest of the sheath with one exception. NO NEATSFOOT OIL. It does get TanKote and Neatlac. This applies only to the deer skin that shows outside the sheath. Paul Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hidemechanic Report post Posted January 15, 2008 I was going to be fecicious(SP?) and say that the indians treat their hides by smoking. I will say though that you will freek out the first time you get something on it, but I tell folks that it looks like hell til you get enough stuff on it that it starts to get a character all it's own. That didn't help a bit did it?? Heehee GHackett Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted January 15, 2008 Well if you have to; Bag-Kote, but if properly tanned you shouldn't need anything, depends on the service level I guess. Art Should you use a finish on deerskin? (i.e. when making garments and things)If so, what works well? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chocolateducttape Report post Posted January 17, 2008 Awesome. The whole no-finish plan will make working with deerskin easier than I expected. Thanks y'all! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites