Taxidermist

Taxidermy Care & Restoration: How to Keep Your Mounts Looking Their Best

A well-made taxidermy mount can last for decades — but only with the right care. Dust, sunlight, humidity, and pests are the biggest threats to any preserved specimen, whether it's a prized deer mount, a game bird, or a display piece in a collection. This guide covers how to maintain your mounts at home and when it's time to call in a professional for restoration. 

Have a mount that needs attention, or want a professional opinion before you try anything yourself? Reach out to our team.

Why Taxidermy Mounts Deteriorate Over Time

Even high-quality mounts are vulnerable to a few common issues:

  • UV exposure — direct sunlight fades fur, feathers, and skin
  • Humidity — excess moisture can loosen hide from the form and encourage mold
  • Dust buildup — dulls color and can be abrasive over time
  • Insects — dermestid beetles and moths are a leading cause of hide and feather damage
  • Handling — oils from skin and repeated contact can wear down delicate areas like ears, noses, and antler bases

Everyday Care for Taxidermy Mounts

Routine care is simple and takes only a few minutes a month:

  • Dust gently with a soft brush or a low-suction vacuum attachment, always working with the grain of the fur or feathers
  • Keep mounts out of direct sunlight or use UV-filtering glass if displayed near windows
  • Maintain stable indoor humidity, ideally between 40–50%
  • Avoid placing mounts near heating vents, fireplaces, or damp basements
  • Check periodically for small holes, loose hair, or a powdery residue — early signs of insect activity

Cleaning: What's Safe and What Isn't

Light dusting is safe for most owners to do themselves. However, water, household cleaners, and oils can permanently damage hide, fur, or feathers if used incorrectly. Compressed air is useful for reaching tight areas like antler bases and around eyes, but should be used from a distance to avoid disturbing the fur pattern. When in doubt, a professional taxidermist can clean a mount safely without risking the finish.


Signs Your Mount Needs Professional Restoration

Consider professional restoration if you notice:

  • Cracking, splitting, or peeling around the nose, ears, or eyes
  • Hide pulling away from the form
  • Noticeable fading or discoloration
  • Broken or loose antlers, horns, or mounting hardware
  • Evidence of insect damage, such as bald patches or holes
  • A musty or unusual odor

Restoration can include rehydrating and repositioning hide, repainting detail areas, replacing damaged glass eyes, reinforcing the mounting base, or in some cases, re-mounting the specimen onto a new form entirely.

Storage Tips for Mounts Not on Display

If a mount isn't currently displayed, store it in a climate-controlled space, loosely covered with breathable fabric rather than plastic, which can trap moisture. Avoid stacking items on top of a mount, and check on stored pieces every few months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a taxidermy mount be cleaned?

Light dusting once a month is usually enough for mounts kept indoors in stable conditions. A deeper professional cleaning every few years helps preserve color and detail long-term.

Can a badly damaged mount be restored?

In many cases, yes. Depending on the extent of the damage, a professional can often repair, reposition, or re-mount a specimen rather than starting from scratch — though very severe damage may require a full re-mount.

Get in Touch Today

Whether you need a professional cleaning, a full restoration, or just want advice on caring for a mount at home, our team is here to help.


Location: United States

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