Tanning a snake hide is not for the faint of heart – it’s a smelly messy process that requires some specialised equipment and materials. But if you’re patient and willing to put in the work you can end up with a beautiful unique piece of leather. Here’s a step-by-step guide to tanning a snake hide.
First you’ll need to acquire a snake hide. This can be done by hunting and skinning the snake yourself or purchasing the hide from a reputable dealer. If you’re skinning the snake yourself be sure to remove the hide in one piece taking care not to damage it.
Next the hide needs to be treated to remove any remaining flesh fat or oils. This can be done by either soaking the hide in a salt solution or by using a commercial skin-prep product. Soaking in a salt solution is the traditional method and requires you to make a brine by dissolving salt in water. The hide should be soaked in the brine for at least 24 hours and up to several days.
After the hide has been soaked it needs to be washed to remove the salt. This can be done with fresh water or with a mild detergent. Once the hide is clean it needs to be dried. This can be done by simply hanging it up to air dry or by using a commercial leather drying rack.
The next step is to apply a tanning solution to the hide. This can be done with either a commercial tanning solution or a homemade solution. Commercial tanning solutions are generally safest and easiest to use but if you’re feeling adventurous you can try making your own solution. There are many recipes available online but be sure to do your research to make sure you’re using a safe and effective solution.
Once the hide has been treated with the tanning solution it needs to be left to dry. This can take anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on the type of solution used. Once the hide is dry it’s ready to be used for whatever purpose you desire.
Tanning a snake hide is not a quick or easy process but it’s definitely worth the effort. With a little patience and some elbow grease you can end up with a beautiful unique piece of leather.
What materials do you need to tan a snake hide?
To tan a snake hide you need a salt-free environment a pickling solution a tanning solution a fleshing tool and a scraping tool.
What is the first step in tanning a snake hide?
The first step in tanning a snake hide is to remove the salt from the hide.
How do you remove the salt from the hide?
You can remove the salt from the hide by soaking it in a pickling solution.
What is the next step after removing the salt from the hide?
The next step is to apply the tanning solution to the hide.
How long do you need to leave the tanning solution on the hide?
You need to leave the tanning solution on the hide for at least 24 hours.
What do you do with the hide after 24 hours?
After 24 hours you need to remove the hide from the tanning solution and rinse it off.
How do you dry the hide?
You can dry the hide by hanging it up in a well-ventilated area.
What is the next step after the hide is dry?
The next step is to scrape off the hair from the hide.
How do you scrape off the hair from the hide?
You can scrape off the hair from the hide with a fleshing tool.
What is the next step after scraping off the hair?
The next step is to cut the hide into manageable pieces.
How do you cut the hide into manageable pieces?
You can cut the hide into manageable pieces with a sharp knife.
What is the next step after cutting the hide into manageable pieces?
The next step is to apply the tanning solution to the hide.
How long do you need to leave the tanning solution on the hide?
You need to leave the tanning solution on the hide for at least 24 hours.
What do you do with the hide after 24 hours?
After 24 hours you need to remove the hide from the tanning solution and rinse it off.
How do you dry the hide?
You can dry the hide by hanging it up in a well-ventilated area.
