Don't Panic: Every tanner encounters problems. Most issues can be fixed with the right approach. This guide covers the most common problems and their proven solutions.
Quick Problem Finder
| Problem | Jump To |
|---|---|
| Hide has stiff spots after breaking | Section 1 |
| Uneven color or dark patches | Section 2 |
| Hide smells bad or has mold | Section 3 |
| Hair slipping or falling out | Section 4 |
| Hide got wet after tanning | Section 5 |
| Storage and preservation issues | Section 6 |
| Holes, tears, or thin spots | Section 7 |
| Smoking problems | Section 8 |
1Stiff Spots After Breaking
This is the most common problem in brain tanning. Stiff spots occur when fibers aren't properly separated during breaking or when membrane remains on the hide.
Small Stiff Spots (Less than 2 inches)
Common Causes:
- Missed during breaking process
- Area dried too quickly
- Insufficient working in that specific area
- Small piece of membrane left behind
Solution:
- 1. Lightly mist the stiff spot with water using a spray bottle
- 2. Wait 5-10 minutes for moisture to penetrate the fibers
- 3. Work the spot aggressively with your hands, pulling and stretching in all directions
- 4. If available, pull the spot over a cable or stake
- 5. Continue working until the spot is dry and matches the softness of surrounding areas
- 6. Check for any remaining membrane and scrape if found
Large Stiff Areas (More than 2 inches)
Common Causes:
- Stopped breaking before hide was fully dry
- Membrane not completely removed during prep
- Brain solution didn't penetrate properly
- Hide was too thick in that area
Solution:
- 1. Soak the entire hide in warm water for 30-60 minutes
- 2. Wring out thoroughly—really squeeze it
- 3. Check the stiff area for membrane. If found, remove it now
- 4. If membrane was present, re-soak in brain solution for 20-30 minutes
- 5. Wring out very thoroughly
- 6. Break continuously until completely dry—no breaks
- 7. Pay extra attention to previously stiff areas
Entire Hide is Stiff
Common Causes:
- Membrane not removed at all
- Insufficient breaking effort
- Brain solution was too weak or not applied
- Hide dried without any breaking
Solution (Start Over):
- 1. Soak in warm water for 1-2 hours to fully rehydrate
- 2. Check membrane removal—this is likely the main issue
- 3. If membrane is present, remove it completely using a scraper
- 4. Prepare fresh brain solution (1 brain per hide)
- 5. Soak hide in brain solution for 30-60 minutes, working it occasionally
- 6. Wring out very thoroughly
- 7. Break continuously until completely dry—plan for 3-5 hours
- 8. Don't give up. This is your chance to get it right
2Uneven Color & Dark Patches
Dark Spots or Patches
Causes: Blood staining, uneven smoking, dirt or debris, or natural color variation in the hide.
Solutions:
- Blood Stains: Soak in cold water with a small amount of salt. Gently scrub with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly.
- Uneven Smoking: Re-smoke the hide, paying attention to lighter areas. Rotate frequently for even coverage.
- Dirt/Debris: Gently brush with a soft-bristled brush. For stubborn spots, use a damp cloth.
- Natural Variation: Some color variation is normal and adds character. Embrace it as part of the hide's uniqueness.
Hide Too Light or White
Causes: Insufficient smoking or smoking with wood that produces little color.
Solution:
Re-smoke the hide with punky wood that produces good color (willow, alder, or cottonwood work well). Smoke for longer periods, checking color every 30 minutes. Remember: you can always add more smoke, but you can't remove it.
Hide Too Dark or Over-Smoked
Causes: Smoking for too long or using wood that produces heavy smoke.
Solution:
Unfortunately, over-smoking is difficult to reverse. You can try lightly sanding the flesh side with fine sandpaper to lighten it slightly. For future hides, smoke in shorter sessions and check color frequently.
3Bad Smell & Mold Issues
Hide Smells Rotten or Sour
Causes: Bacterial growth from improper storage, hide left wet too long, or meat/fat not completely removed.
Solution:
- 1. Soak hide in cold water with 1 cup of salt per gallon for 2-4 hours
- 2. Scrub both sides with a brush to remove bacteria
- 3. Rinse thoroughly in clean water
- 4. Check for any remaining meat or fat and remove it
- 5. If smell persists, soak in water with 1/4 cup baking soda per gallon
- 6. Proceed with brain tanning immediately—don't store wet
Warning: If the hide has a strong ammonia smell or the hair is slipping badly, it may be too far gone. Assess whether it's worth saving.
Mold Growth on Hide
Causes: Hide stored damp in warm conditions, poor air circulation, or stored in plastic.
Solution:
- 1. Take hide outside (mold spores are harmful indoors)
- 2. Brush off visible mold with a stiff brush
- 3. Soak in water with 1 cup white vinegar per gallon for 1 hour
- 4. Scrub thoroughly on both sides
- 5. Rinse well in clean water
- 6. Dry completely in sun and fresh air before storing
- 7. Store properly: dry, cool, with good air circulation
Finished Hide Smells Smoky (Too Much)
Causes: Over-smoking or using resinous woods that produce strong odors.
Solution:
Hang the hide in fresh air for several days. The smoke smell will fade over time. You can also store it with cedar chips or dried lavender to add a pleasant scent. Most smoke smell dissipates naturally within 2-4 weeks.
4Hair Slipping or Falling Out
Important: Hair slip is one of the most serious problems in hide tanning. Once hair starts slipping, it's difficult to stop. Prevention is critical.
Minor Hair Loss (Small Patches)
Causes: Damage during skinning, bacterial activity in specific areas, or natural weak spots.
Solution:
Small bald patches are usually not a major concern and won't spread if the hide is properly processed. Continue with tanning as normal. The finished hide can still be used—many people find character in these imperfections.
Widespread Hair Slip
Causes: Hide left too long before processing, bacterial decomposition, hide got too warm, or improper storage.
Assessment:
Gently tug on hair in several spots. If it comes out easily in clumps, the hide has significant hair slip. You have two options:
- Option 1: Continue tanning for a hair-off (buckskin) hide. Remove all hair and tan the leather side only.
- Option 2: If hair slip is severe and widespread, the hide may not be salvageable. Learn from the experience and focus on prevention next time.
Prevention Tips
- Process Quickly: Begin tanning within 24 hours of skinning, or freeze immediately
- Keep Cool: Store hides in cool conditions (below 40°F) until ready to tan
- Salt Immediately: If you can't process right away, salt the hide heavily (flesh side) to preserve it
- Avoid Plastic: Never store fresh hides in plastic bags—they trap moisture and heat
- Clean Thoroughly: Remove all meat and fat immediately—these promote bacterial growth
5Hide Got Wet After Tanning
Good News: A properly smoked hide can get wet and be restored. Smoking is what makes brain-tanned leather washable and weather-resistant.
Hide Got Wet (Smoked)
If your hide was properly smoked and got wet, it will become stiff when it dries. This is normal and fixable.
Solution:
- 1. Let the hide dry completely (or wring out if soaking wet)
- 2. As it dries, begin working it with your hands
- 3. Pull, stretch, and manipulate the hide continuously as it dries
- 4. Use a cable or stake if available for more aggressive breaking
- 5. Continue until completely dry and soft again
- 6. The hide will return to its original softness
Note: This process is much faster than the original breaking—usually 30-60 minutes for a deer hide.
Hide Got Wet (Not Smoked)
If your hide wasn't smoked yet and got wet, you have a bigger problem. Unsmoked brain-tanned hides will wash out and lose their softness permanently.
Solution:
- 1. Wring out the hide thoroughly
- 2. Re-soak in fresh brain solution for 30 minutes
- 3. Wring out again
- 4. Break the hide completely until dry
- 5. Smoke immediately to lock in the tanning
- 6. Don't let it get wet again until after smoking
Washing a Smoked Hide
Properly smoked hides can be washed when needed. Here's how to do it safely:
- Use cool water and mild soap (like baby shampoo or saddle soap)
- Gently hand wash—don't scrub aggressively
- Rinse thoroughly in cool water
- Wring out excess water
- Work the hide continuously as it dries to restore softness
6Storage & Preservation Issues
Insect Damage (Moths, Beetles)
Signs: Small holes, loose hair, visible larvae or adult insects, powdery residue.
Solution & Prevention:
- Immediate: Freeze the hide for 72 hours to kill all insects and eggs
- Cleaning: Shake out thoroughly outside, brush vigorously to remove debris
- Storage: Store in breathable cotton bags with cedar chips or lavender
- Prevention: Check stored hides every 2-3 months, keep storage area clean and dry
- Natural Repellents: Cedar, lavender, or bay leaves deter insects
Hide Became Stiff in Storage
Causes: Absorbed moisture from humid air, stored in damp conditions, or not fully smoked.
Solution:
Work the hide with your hands to restore softness. If it was properly smoked, it should soften with hand manipulation. If it remains stiff, it may need re-smoking or wasn't fully smoked initially. Store in a drier location with better air circulation.
Proper Storage Guidelines
- Environment: Cool, dry, dark location with good air circulation
- Container: Breathable cotton or canvas bags—never plastic
- Position: Lay flat or loosely rolled—avoid tight folding
- Protection: Add cedar chips, lavender, or bay leaves to deter insects
- Inspection: Check every 2-3 months for signs of damage or moisture
- Avoid: Attics (too hot), basements (too damp), direct sunlight
7Holes, Tears & Thin Spots
Small Holes (Under 1 inch)
Repair Method:
- 1. Clean the area around the hole
- 2. Use artificial sinew or strong thread (waxed dental floss works)
- 3. Sew with small, tight stitches in a spiral pattern
- 4. Pull edges together gently—don't pucker
- 5. Knot securely on the flesh side
- 6. Trim excess thread
Large Tears or Holes
Patch Method:
- 1. Cut a patch from scrap leather slightly larger than the hole
- 2. Position patch on the flesh side
- 3. Sew around the perimeter with strong thread
- 4. Use a whip stitch or running stitch
- 5. For extra strength, apply leather glue before sewing
- 6. Allow to dry completely
Thin Spots or Weak Areas
Prevention: Thin spots (belly, neck, flanks) are natural. Handle these areas gently during processing.
If Already Damaged: Thin areas that haven't torn can be reinforced with a backing patch sewn on the flesh side. This adds strength without affecting appearance. For projects, avoid using thin areas for high-stress applications.
8Smoking Problems
Hide Caught Fire During Smoking
Causes: Flames instead of smoke, hide too close to heat source, or dry spots ignited.
Prevention & Response:
- Immediate: Remove hide from smoke source immediately, pat out any embers
- Prevention: Use only smoldering punk wood—no flames
- Distance: Keep hide at least 3-4 feet from smoke source
- Monitoring: Check every 15-20 minutes during smoking
- Moisture: Slightly damp hides are less likely to ignite
Uneven Smoke Coverage
Result: Some areas are dark brown while others remain light or white.
Solution:
Re-smoke the hide, focusing on lighter areas. Rotate and reposition frequently during smoking. Use a larger smoke chamber or tent to ensure even smoke distribution. Check all areas every 20-30 minutes and adjust position as needed.
Smoke Won't Penetrate
Causes: Membrane still on hide, hide too thick, or insufficient smoking time.
Solution:
- 1. Check for membrane—if present, remove it before smoking
- 2. Smoke for longer periods (2-4 hours minimum)
- 3. Use good quality punk wood that produces dense smoke
- 4. Ensure smoke is actually reaching all parts of the hide
- 5. Test by wetting a small corner—if it stays soft when dry, smoking worked
Prevention is the Best Solution
Most tanning problems can be avoided with proper technique and attention to detail. Here are the golden rules:
- Process Fresh: Begin tanning within 24 hours of harvest, or freeze immediately
- Remove All Membrane: This is the #1 cause of stiff spots—don't skip it
- Break Continuously: Once you start breaking, don't stop until the hide is completely dry
- Smoke Thoroughly: Proper smoking makes the hide washable and prevents problems later
- Store Properly: Cool, dry, breathable storage prevents mold and insect damage
Need More Help?
Check out our other comprehensive guides for detailed instructions on each stage of the tanning process: