Casting Tan Leather in OSRS: A Complete Guide to Mastering the Lunar Spell
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers players a variety of ways to train skills and make gold, and one often-overlooked method is the Tan Leather spell from the Lunar Spellbook. Whether you’re a skiller looking to level Magic efficiently or a player aiming to profit from tanned hides, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about casting Tan Leather in OSRS. From requirements and costs to strategies and tips, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into this magical tanning adventure!
The Tan Leather spell is a Lunar magic spell that allows players to tan up to five hides at once without visiting a tanner NPC. Introduced as part of the Lunar Spellbook, it’s a fantastic option for training Magic while simultaneously processing hides for profit or Crafting experience. Unlike traditional tanning, this spell combines convenience with skill progression, making it a unique feature in OSRS.
What Makes Tan Leather Unique?
Unlike the standard tanning process, which requires you to travel to a tanner (like Ellis in Al Kharid) and pay a small fee per hide, Tan Leather lets you tan hides instantly from anywhere, as long as you have the spell’s requirements met. It’s a multi-tasker’s dream, offering Magic XP alongside processed hides, all without the need for repetitive trips.
Why Use Tan Leather?
- Magic Training: Gain decent Magic XP without combat or tedious methods.
- Profit Potential: Tan high-value hides like dragonhides for a profit margin.
- Convenience: No need to run back and forth to a tanner NPC.
Requirements for Casting Tan Leather
Before you can start casting Tan Leather, you’ll need to meet a few prerequisites. These include unlocking the Lunar Spellbook, reaching a specific Magic level, and gathering the right runes and materials. Here’s what you need to get started.
Magic Level and Spellbook Access
To cast Tan Leather, you must have at least 78 Magic. Additionally, you need access to the Lunar Spellbook, which requires completing the Lunar Diplomacy quest. This quest itself has its own requirements:
- 61 Magic
- 40 Defence
- 49 Firemaking
- 5 Herblore
- 65 Crafting
- 60 Mining
- 55 Woodcutting
Once Lunar Diplomacy is complete, you can switch to the Lunar Spellbook by praying at the Astral Altar on Lunar Isle or using an altar in a player-owned house (POH).
Rune Costs and Materials
Each cast of Tan Leather requires the following runes:
- 1 Nature Rune
- 2 Astral Runes
- 5 Fire Runes
You’ll also need up to five hides in your inventory per cast. The spell can tan any of the following hide types:
| Hide Type | Tanned Product |
|---|---|
| Cowhide | Leather or Hard Leather |
| Green Dragonhide | Green Dragon Leather |
| Blue Dragonhide | Blue Dragon Leather |
| Red Dragonhide | Red Dragon Leather |
| Black Dragonhide | Black Dragon Leather |
How to Cast Tan Leather Efficiently
Casting Tan Leather efficiently requires preparation and a solid strategy. Whether your goal is Magic XP or profit, optimizing your setup will save time and resources. Here’s how to do it right.
Step-by-Step Casting Process
- Switch to Lunar Spellbook: Ensure you’re on the Lunar Spellbook via the Astral Altar or POH.
- Gather Supplies: Stock up on Nature, Astral, and Fire runes, plus your chosen hides.
- Bank Setup: Use a bank (like the one in the Grand Exchange) to withdraw five hides at a time.
- Cast the Spell: Open the spellbook, click Tan Leather, and watch the magic happen!
- Repeat: Deposit tanned leather and withdraw more hides to keep the cycle going.
Best Locations for Tanning
For maximum efficiency, stick to locations with a bank nearby. Popular spots include:
- Grand Exchange: Easy access to banks and a central hub for buying/selling hides.
- Lunar Isle Bank: Close to the Astral Altar if you need to switch spellbooks.
- Castle Wars: Quick banking with a ring of dueling teleport.
Experience Rates and Profit Analysis
The Tan Leather spell offers a balance of Magic XP and potential profit, depending on your approach. Let’s break down the numbers to see what you can expect.
Magic XP Rates
Each cast of Tan Leather grants 81 Magic XP, regardless of the hide type. With efficient banking and clicking, you can cast the spell approximately 1,000–1,200 times per hour. This translates to:
- 81,000–97,200 Magic XP per hour
This rate makes it a competitive alternative to other Magic training methods like High Alchemy or Bursting, especially if you’re also tanning for profit.
Profit Margins by Hide Type
The profitability of Tan Leather depends on the cost of hides, runes, and the market price of tanned leather. Here’s a breakdown based on approximate GE prices (as of April 2025):
| Hide Type | Cost per Hide (GP) | Tanned Price (GP) | Profit per Cast (5 Hides) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Dragonhide | 1,300 | 1,500 | 900 (after rune costs) |
| Blue Dragonhide | 1,600 | 1,850 | 1,150 |
| Red Dragonhide | 2,000 | 2,300 | 1,400 |
| Black Dragonhide | 2,900 | 3,300 | 1,900 |
Note: Rune costs (approx. 300 GP per cast) are subtracted from profits. Prices fluctuate, so check the Grand Exchange regularly.
Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Tan Leather
To get the most out of Tan Leather, consider these advanced strategies and optimizations. These tips will help you save time, increase XP, and boost profits.
Inventory Management
Keep your inventory streamlined:
- Use a rune pouch to hold Nature, Astral, and Fire runes, freeing up space.
- Withdraw hides in stacks of five to match the spell’s capacity.
- Deposit tanned leather quickly using bank presets at the Grand Exchange.
Boosting Magic Level
If you’re close to 78 Magic, boost your level temporarily:
- Wizard’s Mind Bomb: +2 or +3 Magic (available at the Burthorpe bar).
- Magic Potion: +3 to +5 Magic (requires Herblore to make).
- Imbued Heart: +1 to +10 Magic (expensive but reusable).
With a boost, you can start casting Tan Leather as early as 73–75 Magic, depending on the method.
Combining with Other Skills
Make Tan Leather a multi-skill endeavor:
- Crafting: Use tanned leather to craft dragonhide armor for additional XP.
- Slayer/Combat: Kill dragons to gather hides yourself, reducing costs.
Casting Tan Leather in OSRS is a versatile and rewarding method for players who enjoy blending Magic training with profit-making. With a Magic level of 78, access to the Lunar Spellbook, and a steady supply of hides and runes, you can turn this spell into a goldmine—literally and figuratively. Whether you’re tanning cowhides for a low-budget grind or black dragonhides for maximum profit, the flexibility of Tan Leather makes it a standout option in the OSRS skilling toolkit. Grab your runes, head to the bank, and start tanning your way to success!