Tanned snakeskins for backing

[Craig/FL]

I recently aquired a nice skin but unfortunately it has been tanned and from I understand it cant be used for backing. I remember some time ago someone mentioning soaking the skin in soap and water to remove the tanning chemicals. Anyone ever here of this and how to actually go about it.
Thanks, Craig

[horatio1226]

I've done it a couple of times with no problems. Soak it in soap and water and apply it like a dried skin. If I wanted to do it on a very expensive bow, I would probably go after a dried skin as I think they come out better.
Brian

[Craig/FL]

Thanks for the reply Brian, how long would you recommend soaking the skin in the soap and water.

[Pat B]

Tanned skins will work as a bow backing but dried or green skins work better. The problem I have with tanned skins is because of the tanning the skin becomes like a sponge and even with a finish it can absorb moisture. On a glass bow this might not effect anything but on a wood bow any moisture is a bad thing.
  If a skin is properly tanned you won't be able to wash out the tanning solution. If it was "cured" with antifreeze(glycol) that solution can be removed somewhat by soaking in clean alcohol and possibly cleaning with a good detergent. Pat