How to Treat Moosehide With Mink Oil

Moose hide has many of the same properties as cow leather.

The tanned skin of a moose is known as moose hide, or moose leather. The hide has properties similar to cow leather, on a slightly thicker scale, and maintenance is the same as that of other leathers. Moose hide is tanned and softened using a process of soaking and smoking. Adding mink oil to the leather will help protect it from moisture and prevent it from breaking down as quickly. Mink oil is oil gathered from animal fats, which help blend into the hide naturally, just like the oils produced by the moose while it is alive.

Things You'll Need

• Dish soap
• Soft cloths
• Leather polish or wax (optional)

Instructions

1. Dampen a soft cloth with water. Add two or three drops of dish soap to the cloth and rub them into the cloth until suds form.

2. Rub the cloth over the surface of the moose hide to remove dirt or oil. Wipe away soap residue with a new clean, damp cloth. Allow the leather to dry for one hour.

3. Place a small amount of mink oil onto a soft cloth. Work the mink oil into the surface of the moose hide until the mink oil is completely absorbed. Continue to add mink oil to the hide until no more oil is absorbed by the moose hide.

4. Allow the hide to sit for about 15 minutes. Wipe away excess oil from the surface of the leather with a clean, dry cloth.

5. Buff the surface of the moose hide with a clean, dry cloth to achieve a dull shine. You can also rub a leather polish or wax over the hide when finished to add a secondary layer of protection.

References

• Mermac Mink Oil: FAQ
• Overland: Skin Guide
• Native Art in Canada: Moose Hide Tanning