hi,i need help regarding trophy cleaning as my trophy room is in my bar,and we sit atleast four nights have booze and ppl smoke too,in longer run im affrade the smoke will do its damages is there any spray or any liquid to clean trophies once a while ,regards

Hopefully, someone will chime in with some additional advice.

Van Dyke's has some supplies for cleaning and maintaining mounts. I've been told to wipe your mounts down with cedar oil to keep them bug free. You also use glycerine around the eyes, base of horns etc to prevent the leather from drying and cracking in these areas.

I'll be keeping an eye on this one too.

gaganzer,thankx for nice tips,regards

Markhor,
I just placed an order with Van Dykes and here's what I bought for my mount maintenance.

PRODUCT LIST
1 x 01003800 Revive @ $18.99 = $18.99
Color / Size : 8 oz.

1 x 01319097 Protex Mount Care @ $19.99 = $19.99
Color / Size : 1 Quart

1 x 01351055 Glycerine @ $5.99 = $5.99
Color / Size : Pint

gsganzer,i just saw it on their site,i think its great,lets see how it works,here the dust is the main prob,and hot weather,i wonder if they ship it to overseas,kindly let us know when u use it,kind regards

If you are looking for something for dusting/cleaning every now and then, you can use Windex and a cloth. spray on a small amount and wipe off with a soft cloth in the direction of the hair. Then use Windex on a Q-tip to clean the eyes.

This will work fine for removing dust and some dirt.

Protex mount care is really more of an attempt at bug proofing than a cleaning product.

There is also a product called Taxidermy Magic or something like that. It is a spay on product that will add a shine to the hair.

If you have very dirty mounts or mounts damaged by smoke etc.. Take them to your taxidermist.

In order to really clean an old mount well you need to know if it is a tanned skin or just a preserved skin (dry preserve, borax etc)

skins that have been preserved, that is to say NOT Tanned, should never get wet. If you do not know how your mount was done, DO not get it wet.

A Tanned skin can usually be washed, shampooed, rinsed, and refinished. Don't Try This At Home!

The cracking skin around eyes, nose horns etc.. may be caused by a variety of things. The skin may not have been thinned enough in this area. As these areas dry, they shrink and pull away. If the area was not sealed first before it was painted, sometimes the paint will begin to chip and crack. If the form was too big for the skin, it will pull away or "drum" from the form. Be careful with the glycerin. If you rehydrate these areas you may end up with more problems. Best to take the mount to your taxidermist for evaluation and repair. If your mounts are suffering badly from this in your lifetime, you may want to try another taxidermist.


I think the real trick here is to never neglect your trophies for too long. Dust, clean them every month or so. If you notice any problems take them to your taxidermist as soon as possible.

I hope some of this is helpful.
Good luck.

You can use a product called Taxidermist Magic which costs around $10. It will help maintain shine and keeps the hair balanced. Be careful of over-spray on your walls, floors, and furniture.

I recommend my customers clean their mounts using Swiffers. Go with the grain of the hair. Wipe eyes with the Swiffer. You can use a slightly damp paper towel, but I find the Swiffer works the best.

NEVER use Windex or any other product with cleaners or ammonia. This can dry the hair, causing it to be brittle or change colors. Never use cleaners on the eyes of your mounts, which can pull off finish around the eyes. IF you want to shine the eyes, use the dry Swiffer or paper towel. IF that doesn't shine it up enough then you can use a slight amount of window cleaner on a Qtip, but be careful. Some taxidermists use paints that will not hold up to any sort of liquid cleaning.

i use taxidermy magic also ,it works great .
MC, this stuff will make a hardwood floor slicker then snot.

thankx grafton and other members.regards

I have several Bears that I keep clean with a HEPA vacuum, but would be interested in the Taxidermy Magic spray.
Will this spray help keep the coat in good condition, and has anyone actually used it on their Bears.
My concern would be that applying the spray through 4-5 inches of fur might mat down the coat.

Protex is a product developed by the carpet industry to repel insects. It has a strong odor but will fade within a week. Problem is, you don't want it in your home during the first few days. It's strong! Spray it on AFTER you clean your mount. I use a diluted solution of Mr. Clean (25%) and distilled water (75%-Walmart: under 75 cents per gallon). Then spray with Protex outside. Hang in your garage or someplace to dissipate the smell. This will last about one year; but is NOT permanent. Repeat once per year for max protection against Dermisteds. Edolan U was the best ever. From Germany but the EPA banned it in the US. One treatment and any bird, fish or mammal was "bug proofed" forever. Use caution with Glycerin. Too much will soften the tissue and you'll have more problems than cracking to deal with. Glycerin is a softening agent. As for Taxidermist Magic, spray on a muslin cloth (cheese cloth) and then rub back and forth into your Bears. Don't soak the cloth, just get it damp all over. Fold up cloth and work into the hair going back and forth. Take your time and you'll achieve the sheen you want. Get too much on an area; use a dry cloth and rub it out. LDK

At any big box store such as Wal Mart go to the section that sells artifical plants and buy a spray can of no touch, dust off for artifical leaves and plants, it works great on mounts and is fast and easy to use. Comes in several brands.

You can use Pledge Dust Wax in a spray can. I have used this for many years. It works great and smells good.

If they are extremely dirty best to let a taxidermist clean them.

Best wishes