I'm Installing a Goat Skin Head

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Hide Heads

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For all things related to the use of SKIN BANJO HEADS. Calf, goat, possum, hairy, shaved, stained, pre-mounted. You name it.

380 Members, Created 3/28/2011 -

Administrators: jbalch (owner)

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From CEParagon124 on 5/27/2015 7:55:51 PM

Hello everyone.

I've recently rehabbed an old banjo that belonged to a great, great uncle. I only had the pot and hardware, so I had to find an appropriate neck, which I've done and the banjo has been ready for a head for some time.

I've tried installing an appropriately sized synthetic head, but it was a no-go. The rim is obviously out of round.

So, I'm doing a self installed medium thickness goat skin I bought from Elderly.

It's on and drying. I think I've gotten the crown height about as right as I can.

Before I finish with it and add strings, I was wondering about applying some water proofing.

I have a container of Snow-Proof Waterproofing, which is a form of paste wax.

It's been around for close to a hundred years and is made in Milwaukee, WI.

Can that be used?

It is a bit greasy when I apply it to my boots.

It really works well on boots and leather gloves, but I'm not sure it will not cause relaxation and stretching on a hide head.

Anybody have any experience with this product or ideas as to whether it would be advisable to use it?

Thanks, in advance.

Charlie Noyes

7 Comments
	Tom Berghan says: 5/27/2015 11:10:07 PM I would not use that. I prefer to use Silicone spray. There are lots of brands. Any place that repairs shoes will have it, and probably lots of store that sell shoes. It is easy to apply - hold at least 12 inches away and apply a light coating on either side. It dries immediately and will not darken the hide. You won't even know it is there. I believe it has no discernible effect on the tone. I would not use any kind of grease or oil (and not "mink oil" either because I believe those produce will affect the tone and not in a good way.
	TxScout says: 5/28/2015 6:23:53 AM I'm with Tom on this. I use Rain and Stain Guard from Payless. Just a couple of coats on both sides and remount the head. It's important to make sure your crown is a little high to begin as the skin will settle in. If you do use a product with silicone, do it away from the banjo as it will have adverse effects on future finishing.
	CEParagon124 says: 5/28/2015 7:50:23 AM Thanks. I was leaning toward not using it. I just wanted to know if anyone had ever used it to good effect. I did put some on a swatch of hide left from removing the excess. I did not like the way it left the surface, as it was oily or greasy even after a thorough wiping with a dry cloth. Charlie
	Tom Berghan says: 5/28/2015 8:16:11 AM Hi Charlie, I've never had silicone spray be "oily." A light spray from a distance 12 to 18 inches- move in a circular motion. Should seem to dry right away. Don't spray it until it seems wet or anything. Maybe try a different brand?
	CEParagon124 says: 5/28/2015 8:47:45 AM Tom, this can I have is like a large shoe polish can. It's for water-proofing boots. I don't know the contents, but "bear grease" would be an apt fit. We have humidification on the central air in our house. I might just wait a bit and see how it does. I did stain both sides of the head with a Min-Wax stain that also contains a sealer. The head looks really good this morning! Charlie
	Lil Stinkpot says: 12/2/2015 8:41:00 PM TxScout, does that rain and stain guard have silicone, too? I do a lot of finishing and epoxy work, and I don't want any silicone anything in my "shop" (room). It's just a nitpicky quirk I have.
	CEParagon124 says: 12/3/2015 5:39:47 AM This little blog is kind of old. As the originator, I may be the only one that sees your question and I don't know the answer. I think you should start a new thread with your query. Charlie Noyes
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