Preparation for preservation of hides and skins ?

1. Cleaning: Remove any dirt, blood, and flesh from the hide or skin by washing it thoroughly with water and a mild detergent.

2. Soaking: Soak the hide or skin in water for several hours or even days to soften it and remove any remaining dirt and debris.

3. Fleshing: Remove any excess flesh and fat from the hide or skin using a fleshing knife or tool.

4. Dehairing: If necessary, remove the hair from the hide or skin using a chemical dehairing agent or a mechanical dehairing machine.

5. Tanning: Treat the hide or skin with a tanning agent to preserve it and prevent it from decaying. There are several methods of tanning, including vegetable tanning, chrome tanning, and brain tanning.

6. Drying: Dry the tanned hide or skin in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent it from becoming stiff and brittle.

7. Conditioning: Apply a leather conditioner or oil to the dried hide or skin to keep it soft and supple.

8. Storage: Store the preserved hide or skin in a cool, dry place away from moisture and pests to prevent it from deteriorating.