Re-handling project with genuine snake skin

T

topgun0728

Joined
May 15, 2009
Messages
216
Hi All,

Thought I'd reach out to the expertise of the folks in the HI family about tips that would help me with a re-handling project using real snake skin wrapped around wood (at least that's the plan currently). Has anyone had any experience working with real snake skin? What needs to be done to "treat it" to make the snake skin stronger, longer-lasting, and more durable?

I have seen some real pretty handles done in real snake skin wrapped around wood (glued on and then treated). I thought I'd try myself.

Any tips and ideas?

Thanks!
 
topgun0728 said:
Hi All,

Thought I'd reach out to the expertise of the folks in the HI family about tips that would help me with a re-handling project using real snake skin wrapped around wood (at least that's the plan currently). Has anyone had any experience working with real snake skin?

What needs to be done to "treat it" to make the snake skin stronger, longer-lasting, and more durable?
Click to expand...

Topgun off the top of my head the first thing that comes to mind is a Super Glue finish. Helluvit is I don't know the durability of Super Glue in a heavy wear situation... Perhaps similar to Epoxy, I dunno? :confused:
And Epoxy could maybe be finished the same as Super Glue? Dunno that either... I do know that when first starting a Super Glue finish you'll think you've done ruined your project until you get it built up enough to start sanding it smooth. In my experience, up to a point, the more coats of finish the deeper the appearance!!!:thumbup: :cool: :D

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Thanks, Yvsa. I am considering the "super glue" finish. I am also considering the "leather glaze" finish. Any recommendations on what material to get? I would like to achieve that smooth, glossy finish that can also prove to be durable and longer-lasting.
 
You might also consider using Amazing Goop for the glue. That's by far the best heavy use glue I've encountered; I've used it to glue a broken sofa back together, and it supported over 400 pounds of weight on the broken part. I still threw the sofa away eventually, but it's good stuff.
 
I think the stuff from Tandy Leather Factory is called Tan-it.
I remember the product being specifically for snake, but I'm not 100% on the name.
Hope that little bit helps.
 
I've read that you can tan snakeskin by soaking it in ethylene glycol antifreeze. Plain old automotive antifreeze. The green/yellow (chartreuse) stuff, not the long life antifreeze.

My concern with super glue would be that it can be incredibly brittle.
 
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