Hide Tanning & Preservation in Greeneville TN
SERVICES DETAIL
At Savage Creations Taxidermy, every mount begins with one crucial foundation — expert hide tanning and preservation. Without proper tanning, even the best mounting work can’t last. Our Greeneville, Tennessee studio provides professional tanning services designed to protect hides, maintain hair quality, and ensure long-lasting results.
We partner with a professional tanning service to ensure every hide is properly preserved to the highest standards. This approach prevents delays, maintains consistency, and guarantees that each hide receives expert treatment. From whitetail deer and elk capes to exotic hides, our trusted tanning service delivers strong, flexible, and natural results that stand the test of time.
Why Tanning and Preservation Matter
Proper tanning is essential to preserving your trophy. When done correctly, it stabilizes the hide’s natural fibers, prevents decay, and locks hair into place. When done poorly, hides can crack, slip, or lose their texture within just a few years.
Our tanning process creates a durable, soft finish that holds form during mounting and continues to resist humidity, temperature changes, and time. We use professional-grade solutions and a meticulous approach that protects both the skin and the hair for generations.
A well-tanned hide is the difference between a mount that lasts a lifetime and one that fades within a few seasons. That’s why every Savage Creations project begins with this critical step.
Our Hide Tanning Process
We follow a detailed, step-by-step method to ensure every hide we tan maintains natural flexibility, color, and strength.
Every stage is completed by hand in our Greeneville studio to maintain full control over quality and outcome.
1
Preparation and Cleaning
Each hide is fleshed, trimmed, and cleaned to remove any debris, fat, or residue that could affect preservation. We take the time to inspect every inch for damage or weak areas and treat them accordingly.
2
Pickling and Neutralization
The hide is soaked in a specialized pickling solution that cleans and opens the fibers. This prepares the skin to absorb the tanning agents evenly. Once the proper pH level is reached, the hide is neutralized to prevent over-acidity.
3
Tanning and Oiling
We apply professional tanning solutions that permanently stabilize the hide. After tanning, we oil the skin to restore flexibility and prevent stiffness. This step helps the hide retain its softness and natural texture, making it easier to mount and ensuring it resists cracking over time.
4
Drying and Finishing
Once tanning and oiling are complete, hides are gently dried, stretched, and inspected. We finish the process with final conditioning to ensure even texture and durability.
Benefits of Professional Tanning
Long-Term Preservation
Proper tanning prevents cracking, shrinking, and hair loss, ensuring your mount remains stable and natural-looking for decades.
Improved Appearance
Tanned hides retain their color and natural sheen, making finished mounts look lifelike and vibrant.
Easy Mounting
A professionally tanned hide stretches evenly, allowing for precise fitting on forms without tearing or distortion.
Reduced Maintenance
Well-tanned hides require minimal upkeep and remain resistant to humidity and temperature fluctuations common in East Tennessee homes and lodges.
Trusted Process
Because we perform all tanning in-house, your hide is never shipped or exposed to unnecessary risks. You receive consistent results backed by our reputation for quality.
Types of Hides We Tan
Savage Creations Taxidermy offers tanning and preservation services for a wide variety of species:
- Whitetail deer and elk capes
- Mule deer and antelope
- Bear, wild boar, and small game
- Exotic and African species such as lions and antelope
- Rugs, flat hides, and specialty display pieces
Whether you’re preparing for a shoulder mount or want to keep a flat hide as a decorative rug, we can tan it to your exact needs.
Why Choose Savage Creations Taxidermy
- Experienced family-owned studio dedicated to quality craftsmanship and personal service
- Proven methods that protect hides from cracking and fading over time
- Clean, professional facility with a focus on care and detail
- Open communication and updates throughout your project
Our goal is simple — to ensure your trophy looks as good years from now as it did the day you brought it in.
Frequently asked question
How should I store my hide before bringing it in?
Keep your hide cool and dry. If you can’t deliver it right away, double-bag and freeze it. Avoid salting unless we’ve discussed it first — some hides can be damaged by improper salting methods.
Can you tan hides that have already been dried or salted?
Yes, in most cases. We’ll inspect the hide for dryness or damage before determining if rehydration and tanning are possible.
How long does tanning take?
Tanning timelines vary based on the species, size, and current workload. We’ll provide an estimated timeframe at drop-off and keep you informed throughout the process.
Do you tan hides for rug or display use only?
Absolutely. Many clients bring hides solely for tanning without mounting. We can prepare them for display, sewing, or custom framing.
Is your tanning process done locally?
Yes. All tanning and preservation are completed in our Greeneville studio, ensuring full oversight and quality control.
Contact Savage Creations for Tanning and Preservation
Protect your investment and your memory with professional tanning that lasts. Savage Creations Taxidermy proudly serves Greeneville, Tennessee 37745, and the greater East Tennessee region.
Call (423) 470-9494 or email savagecreationstaxidermy@gmail.com to discuss your next tanning or preservation project. Whether it’s a deer cape, exotic hide, or a special piece you want to protect, our family-owned studio delivers results built to last — where passion meets preservation.