Scales on Snakeskin..

[crafty]

Hey all, Ive got a question for ya.


Ive got two snake skins drying right now and im wanting/wondering if i can keep the scales on..?

I really like the looks of the scales on.

What would be the best thing to coat it with afterwards.?  

Would a Spray poly or tru-pil still work or be the best thing to use.?


Thanks in advance.. Most things are easy to find thru the search but ive found nothing on this.

[mwmwmb]

i got one on the board right now and was wondering the same thing.

[Orion]

I wouldn't do it.  Don't know what finish might work, but I do know that as a bow is flexed, over time the scales tend to lift the finish.  If you remove the scales after you glue the skins to the bow and then finish, the finish brings back the skins shinyness.  For what it's worth.  

I've used Helmsman and Deft spray varnishes, available at hardware and building supply stores, and Birchwood Casey gunstock finish over skins and they've all worked well.

Good luck.

[crafty]

The Scales lifting is what i was worried about..


Has anyone done this with good results..?

[John Scifres]

I have not had favorable results.  They will eventiually lift off.

[jimmerc]

After glueing to the back of your bow limbs,alowing an day or two to set, take duck tape and lift the scales off making sure to get all the scales off! the stubbern scales you can lift with your finger nail! (you would not notice if the scales are off as they are imprinted in the skins)after the scales are removed you can finish them with true oil, or what i use is helmens spar out door varnish, iuse the satain finish as i prefer a low luster finish!
note in the pic no scales left on these skins, not the best of pics but just to give an idea!!

[crafty]

Thanks Fellas.. Im just going to go ahead and remove them then.   Better safe than sorry i guess..   ; )