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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: BEN on May 11, 2009, 06:05:00 PM

Title: Removing tanning solution from tanned snakeskin?
Post by: BEN on May 11, 2009, 06:05:00 PM

I bought a snake skin from an online store. The skin came tanned, not air dried. I didn't realize that it would make a difference untill "Dano" answered a PM I sent him.
Any one know what I need to use/do to remove the tanning solution from the hide before glueing it to a bow?

thanks AGAIN,

Ben

Title: Re: Removing tanning solution from tanned snakeskin?
Post by: Dano on May 11, 2009, 08:29:00 PM

I did a search and found this, sorry this doesn't help a bunch.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=063316#000000

Title: Re: Removing tanning solution from tanned snakeskin?
Post by: Pat B on May 11, 2009, 10:56:00 PM

If it was glycerin tanned(antifreeze) you can soak it in denatured alcohol to remove some of the glycerin. Maybe washing it after wards with Dawn dish soap will help too.

Title: Re: Removing tanning solution from tanned snakeskin?
Post by: Pat B on May 11, 2009, 10:57:00 PM

Hey, at least I'm consistant!  d;^)

Title: Re: Removing tanning solution from tanned snakeskin?
Post by: razorsharptokill on May 11, 2009, 11:30:00 PM

What type of process is used that results in a suede like surface on the meat side of the skin? Sorry to derail the post..

Title: Re: Removing tanning solution from tanned snakeskin?
Post by: Pat B on May 12, 2009, 09:36:00 AM

Jim, that is actually tanned skin; leather. Now days it is usually chromeum salts used in the process. That kind of tanning is permanent. It will work as a backing but because of the thickness and absorbancy it can collect moisture if not sealed real well. It can, however be used for belts or as decorations for a quiver or other leather work.

Title: Re: Removing tanning solution from tanned snakeskin?
Post by: Jeremy on May 12, 2009, 10:06:00 AM

Ben,
The best way would be to trade it to someone for air dried skins  :D   PM me if interested.

Title: Re: Removing tanning solution from tanned snakeskin?
Post by: BEN on May 12, 2009, 02:51:00 PM

So, best bet may be to just soak it with soap/water; size the bow with a thin layer of glue; then just layer the heck out of it with the Tru-oil after the skin is put on and dried.
Maybe even spray it with some sort of spray-on sealer when finished. This won't be a hunting bow---my wife target shoots only--for now.

Jeremy, my wife would probably KILL me if I tried to trade off this skin----she found it on-line and is REALLY wanting this thing on her bow.
 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/bgeckle/yhst-91999600947566_2051_7981604.jpg)

So.......just hoping this will work, somehow.

Ben

Title: Re: Removing tanning solution from tanned snakeskin?
Post by: Dano on May 12, 2009, 03:42:00 PM

Good luck Ben, I think the tru-oil will seal it well enough.
A guy has got ta do what a guy has got ta do.   :bigsmyl:

Title: Re: Removing tanning solution from tanned snakeskin?
Post by: Pat B on May 12, 2009, 03:54:00 PM

Be sure to give the bow plenty of time after skinning it for any absorbed moisture to escape before sealing it. I'd place it in a dry area for a week or so before adding the finish.

Title: Re: Removing tanning solution from tanned snakeskin?
Post by: BEN on May 12, 2009, 04:56:00 PM

I'll stick it back into the heat box to dry it out. It has been staying a pretty constant 90 degrees and can get it hotter with a higher watt bulb.

thanks guys,
ben

Title: Re: Removing tanning solution from tanned snakeskin?
Post by: Pat B on May 12, 2009, 10:54:00 PM

90 deg ought to be hot enough. A small fan inside the box helps to dry things out too.