I have always used water to loosen my bodhran skin, usually by means of a spritzer, which distributes the water evenly and doesn't appoly too much.

Although I have yet to try it, I am told that the best treatment for a goatskin is "neats-foot" oil. It is an old-fashioned bootleather conditioner, and contains no foreign substances like silicone, which has a tendency to dry the skin. That's one of the problems with mink oil, which is often recommended for making the skin more supple.

I'm looking forward to reading the various recommendations which I am sure will come on this thread.

Keep the Faith.

Jack Hickman