Glycerin Tanned Snakeskin?

arrowsmit · 10-22-2003, 07:03 PM

Hi all, I just recieved a VERY nice rattler skin & I' d like to tan/preserve the skin with glycerin (that' s the right stuff isn' t it?) & make a hatband out of it, but am totally lost about the procedure. I could use some tips & advice on how to go about it ' cause I sure don' t want to ruin such a nice skin, & my trusty old hat really needs a facelift! Can I find this stuff in most drugs stores? How should I apply the treatment? How long to cure & should I tack it down flat? ETC, ETC, ETC...Thanks in advance.

Wahya · 10-22-2003, 09:35 PM

I' ve never tanned a snake before, but I do know that you' ll want to remove the scales if not already done. I' ve got a green skinned rattler in the freezer that I' ve procrastinated on skinning and tanning. When I get around to tanning it, there' s a tanning solution that' s specifically for snakes. For the life of me, I can' t remember what it' s called. I' d think that Moscow hide and fur would carry it.

arrowsmit · 10-23-2003, 07:55 PM

Thanks Wahya. This' n was dried when I got it, just want to preserve it. The one before this (I scraped & dried) didn' t do so good.

arrowsmit · 10-29-2003, 04:28 AM

Ok, I used the glycerin & tanned the skin. Turned out very soft & supple. I wrapped it around an old belt that I cut to length & stapled together. After some trimming & glueing, I' m tickled w/the results. Here' s a pic:

Thanks for the tips & suggestions guys!

Wahya · 10-29-2003, 09:02 AM

Very nice Vic. Maybe I' ll get off my butt and get me a hatband started.[8D]