Author Topic: How wet for rawhide backing?  (Read 3528 times)

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Offline TreyNC

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How wet for rawhide backing?
« on: January 10, 2009, 03:17:45 pm »
On another thread about rawhide backing I saw where Hillbilly said "just dampen the hide and put it on", I have always soaked my rawhide completly for a couple of days before gluing on. I don't remember why I started doing it this way, but it works and didn't want to fix something not broken ya know. Who dampens it and who thoroughly soaks it before applying? Any pros and cons? I didn't want to jack the other thread I saw, so what do ya say?

Offline Pat B

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Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
« Reply #1 on: January 10, 2009, 04:23:40 pm »
I soak rawhide thoroughly too but can do that in a matter of 15 minutes. After it is pliable I remove any excess water add the glue to the rawhide and bow back and lay them up. If you keep it in water for too long there is a chance for it to rot or spoil. Just enough to get it pliable is all it takes.    Pat
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Offline TreyNC

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Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
« Reply #2 on: January 10, 2009, 04:49:08 pm »
I usually change the water several times a day and sometimes keep it in the fridge.

Offline Hillbilly

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Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
« Reply #3 on: January 10, 2009, 10:34:11 pm »
Trey, my version of "dampen" would be to soak it in warm water for a half-hour or so. You don't want it slimy wet, just pliable.
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Offline El Destructo

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Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
« Reply #4 on: January 10, 2009, 10:52:23 pm »
What Pat and Hillbilly said ...soak it long enough to get it pliable.....and get it out of there...if it gets slimy it wont hold...if it sits too long it will spoil
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Offline lowell

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Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
« Reply #5 on: January 11, 2009, 12:04:09 am »
Seems 15-20 minutes works for me.
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Offline Lost Arra

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Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
« Reply #6 on: January 12, 2009, 12:58:38 pm »
Don't try to speed up the soaking process by using hot water.
It cooks the rawhide.
Don't ask me how I know this :o

Offline Gordon

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Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
« Reply #7 on: January 12, 2009, 02:08:22 pm »
15-30 minutes in warm (not hot) water will generally do the trick.
Gordon

Offline Pappy

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Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
« Reply #8 on: January 13, 2009, 06:11:42 am »
What most have said above,15/20 min.will do it,dry if off and glue it on. :)
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