Knowledge Base  •  Care & Maintenance

05 — After Pickup

Protect your investment for the next fifty years.

Light, humidity, dusting, repair, restoration. A finished mount is a living object — it ages well or badly depending on what surrounds it. Here’s how to make sure yours ages well.

A heritage mount should be stable for generations. The single biggest factor in whether it is, is the room it lives in.

50Years a properly cared-for mount can last

Common Questions

Care & maintenance, answered

How do I care for my mount after I get it home?
Keep your mount out of direct sunlight, away from heat sources, and in a climate-controlled space with moderate humidity. Dust regularly with a soft brush or compressed air. Avoid touching hides and feathers with bare hands whenever possible, as oils from skin can cause discoloration over time.
Can sunlight or humidity damage my mount?
Yes. Prolonged UV exposure can fade colors and dry out hides, while excessive humidity encourages mold and insect activity. A well-lit room with indirect lighting and consistent temperature is ideal. If displaying near windows, consider UV-filtering glass or film.
How do I clean my taxidermy mount?
Light dusting with a soft-bristle brush or canned air works well for routine cleaning. For deeper cleaning, consult your taxidermist before using any sprays or chemicals. Contact us for product recommendations specific to your mount.
What should I do if I notice damage (cracking, insect issues, etc.)?
Contact us as soon as possible. Small issues like minor cracking or loose seams are often easy to repair if caught early. For insect concerns (dermestid beetles, moths), isolate the mount and reach out — we can help diagnose and recommend next steps. Contact Stehling’s.
Do you offer repair or restoration work on mounts done by other taxidermists?
Yes — we handle repair and restoration projects, including re-mounting, repainting, re-basing, and rebuilding mounts that were originally done elsewhere. The scope of work depends on the condition of the specimen. Contact us with photos for an assessment.
Do you offer any guarantee or warranty on your work?
We stand behind the quality of our work. If you have a concern about your mount after pickup, reach out and we’ll make it right. Craftsmanship and customer satisfaction are central to how we operate. Read more about Stehling’s.

We can help

Got a question about a mount you own?

Whether it’s ours, someone else’s, or a fifty-year-old family heirloom — send us photos. We’ll tell you what we’re looking at and what to do next.