When preparing drumhead made of natural material such as goat or calfskin, all drum makers warn against the water being too hot because it can extract the natural glue–like and protein components of the material resulting in a loss of elasticity. Truth be known, we have accidentally gotten the water rather warm to the touch and have not noticed a deleterious effect on the final product if the soak time is short.

Opinions differ on water temperature. Some drum makers use cool water for soaking leather and animal skins, while others suggest tepid, meaning just barely warm (but not cool) to the touch. 

If the water is room temperature, it will soften the head just fine, but it will take longer. If the water is warmer it will soften the head but will take less time. We use a water bath set to 100°F (38°C), which is just above slightly warm to the touch. Goatskin becomes supple and flexible after only a minute or two in the bath and steer rawhide becomes workable in about half the time it would take if the water was room temperature. We have observed no degradation of the material by soaking at this temperature for short times.

Use cool water or don’t get the water beyond warm to the touch. Remove the head from the bath as soon as it becomes soft and flexible, and everything will be fine.