Taxidermy For Generations…
Past Legends
Present Trophies
Future Legacies
We care about your mount’s longevity. Please see below for added tips and care instructions to ensure that you enjoy your mount for a life-time.
General Mount Care
Keep your mount out of extreme conditions (Hot & Cold). Keep out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. You can use a dry (or if necessary a very slightly damp) microfiber towel to clean and dust the hide, antlers, and nose of your mount. You can also use a soft brush, stroking with the direction of the hair.
To fluff the inner ear hair back up, simply groom with a small brush in opposite direction of the hair, from the tip of the ear towards the base of the ear canal. This is the only area of mounts that are typically groomed in an opposite direction. Be sure to groom hair on the back, or outside of the ear also with the direction of the hair.
Make Sure To:
Keep your mount away from extreme conditions, pests, & pets.
Keep moisture away from your mount, and especially the backing of rugs.
Never use Bleach or any other cleaning products unless specialized specifically for taxidermy use.
Never use a vacuum roller or beater bar
Never soak, machine-wash, or dry-clean a taxidermy hide, as moisture ruins the tanned leather and head mount
Antler Care
Antlers can be gently polished with a soft rag. Do not use WD-40 or other oil based products to clean, as this will cause more dirt to settle and stick to your antlers. It is recommended to use a silicone-based product if that luster finish, is desired.
Products such as TrophyKlean are recommended.
https://shop.matuskataxidermy.com/products/trophy-velvaklean
Eye Care
To clean glass eyes, use a Q-tip with a little bit of Windex applied to the Q-tip, being extra careful to avoid painted eyelid area.
Rug Care
You can gently vacuum rugs and mounts with a flat vacuum attachment on low suction, moving with the direction of the hair.
Do NOT use a roller or beater bar of any kind. Do NOT use a carpet rake or squeegee. It is also recommended that a small area is tested first before cleaning the whole mount.
Another more traditional option is taking rugs outside and beating them over a fence with a rug racket to get the dirt out, being sure to avoid head and face.
Compressed air on low can also be used to fluff back up hair that has been laid down over time. Make sure that you are careful.
Spill Care for Rugs
If something spills on your rug-
First blot the mess up using a clean and dry paper towel, sponge, or rag.
using water and soap only for minor spot-cleaning on the fur side without soaking the backing. Never soak/ submerge, machine-wash, or dry-clean a taxidermy hide, as moisture ruins the tanned leather and head mount
Scrape solids: Remove dried mud or food gently with a dull knife edge moving with the hair.
Wash spot: Dampen a cloth with a weak solution of cool water and mild, pH-neutral baby shampoo or saddle soap. Wring it out thoroughly so it is only slightly damp. Wipe gently with the grain.
Rinse/Dry: Wipe with a clean damp cloth (water only), then pat dry immediately with a dry towel. Air dry away from direct heat or sun.
Damaged Mount?
If at any point your mount becomes damaged or broken due to moving, a fly ball, or just life, please reach out, we would be happy to help you repair your trophy to its original beauty.
