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Tom Matuska's Favorite Fish Skin Preservation Recipe

Tom Matuska's Favorite Fish Skin Preservation Recipe

A Reliable Fish Taxidermy Soak for Clean, Mount-Ready Skins

If you're working in fish taxidermy, you know proper fish skin preservation is the foundation of a successful mount. Before painting, detailing, or mounting ever begins, the skin has to be clean, stable, and properly prepped.

Over the years, Tom has refined a simple, dependable fish skin soak recipe that supports professional results without overcomplicating the process. Whether you're preserving bass, walleye, trout, or other game fish, this method helps prepare skins for mounting or tanning.

Ingredients for Fish Skin Preservation

These fish taxidermy supplies work together to clean, condition, and support bacterial control during the preservation stage.

Step-by-Step Fish Skin Soak Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a 5-gallon bucket.
  2. Submerge the fish skin completely in the solution.
  3. Soak for 1–2 hours.
  4. Rinse the skin thoroughly with clean water.

After rinsing, proceed with your standard fish mounting or fish tanning process.

Why This Fish Taxidermy Soak Works

Proper fish skin preservation helps prevent slippage, odor, and breakdown during the mounting process.

This blend supports:

  • Improved fish skin preparation
  • Odor reduction
  • Bacterial control
  • Cleaner mounting workflow
  • Better long-term mount stability

Salt and borax assist in stabilizing the skin, while Protex Pre-Soak and bacteriacide help clean and condition during the pre-mount stage.

For taxidermists working on warm-water species, cold-water species, or large game fish, consistency in skin prep makes all the difference.

Pro Tip for Professional Fish Mounts

Ensure the fish skin is fully submerged during soaking. Light agitation once or twice during the 1–2 hour soak helps promote even penetration.

Proper prep at this stage supports better detailing, finishing, and overall mount longevity.

Fish Taxidermy Supplies You Can Trust

All products used in this recipe are available through Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company — trusted by professional taxidermists nationwide for quality fish mounting and preservation supplies.

If you're serious about improving your fish taxidermy results, start with better skin prep.

Mar 3rd 2026 Tom Matuska

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