Rattlesnake Skin Tanning

[AlpineRidge]

Hey everyone. I've got a rattlesnake skin and I'm looking for advice on tanning for practical use rather than hanging it. I've done a lot of research however 95% of what I can find is the same solution. Soak in alcohol and glycerin. But from what I've read this is not a "real tanning procedure" and has subpar results if you're planning on actually using the skin. I got a bottle of Deer Hunters and Trappers Hide Tanning Formula and was going to follow the directions for hide tanning. Does anyone have any helpful input? Thank you!

 

[logem]

I've only staked them out on a board and applied salt, but this makes for a stiff skin and not practical for typical use.

 

[BBob]

Soak in alcohol and glycerin. But from what I've read this is not a "real tanning procedure" and has subpar results if you're planning on actually using the skin.

I can confirm that that only keeps it from rotting but it isn't much useful at all except for looking at it. It's kind of a thick ish rubbery texture. I never did more than that one many years ago so I don't know what advice to give to do one so you could actually use it.

 

[AlpineRidge]

Thank you for the input on both of those methods. I just fleshed it out real nice and I suppose that I'll give this deer hunters formula a shot. Got it packed with salt right now and we'll see where it goes. I'll keep you guys updated!

 

[SWOHTR]

Pictures! As much as I dislike snakes, I think they are fascinating.

 

[mtnrunner260]

I soaked one in glycerin for a couple weeks and it seems fine. Usually on a shelf in garage but kids will play with it from time to time.

 

[timberplains]

I got a snake this summer that I want to tan as well. I found this three part blog post that seemed like a good set of clear and specific instructions. They also sell a kit with all the materials if desired.

How to Skin, Flesh, and Tan a Rattlesnake Part 1: Skinning

This article will go through the process, step-by-step, of the best way to tan a snakeskin using the Advanced Tanning Solutions Tan-a-Snake Kit. We are demonstrating on a rattlesnake, but the process is the same for any species of snake.

www.advancedtanningsolutions.com

I have not done mine yet, but plan on following this guidance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ScreamingPotato]

Following along. I'm looking for a craftsman who can make a dog collar out of a skin. My 10 year old Lab got hammered by one and I'd like to make a collar out of it.

 

[Swamp Fox]

All I can tell you is that if you come across he antifreeze method, be careful how long you leave the skin to soak.

I used to have a really nice blue-green copperhead hide many years ago, LOL.

I learned that for stuff like this, it pays to practice.

 

[wytx]

Snake Tan
Tan A Snake
Knoblochs Reptile Tan
Wasco Reptile True Tan

Have used Snake Tan and it works fine.

 

[Dust Rider]

We used to stretch and nail them to a board and rub in Borax (20 mule team detergent) and it works good. Made a wallet that got lost during a Willie Nelson concert. Also did a Ball Python. That one became a hat band.

 

[Swamp Fox]

Made a wallet that got lost during a Willie Nelson concert.

Huh ...


Any idea why?

 

[AlpineRidge]

Thanks for all the input! I'll definitely add pictures during the process. I saw the tan a snake solution mentioned above, but for $60 I felt like there could be a better solution. I guess we'll find out!

 

[Yarak]

We used to stretch and nail them to a board and rub in Borax (20 mule team detergent) and it works good. Made a wallet that got lost during a Willie Nelson concert. Also did a Ball Python. That one became a hat band.

This is the correct way

 

[Dust Rider]

Huh ...


Any idea why?

Im drowning in a whiskey river…

 

[Beendare]

I can tell you that the method you use matters, especially if you want to use them on a bow limbs….don’t use glycerin

 

[AlpineRidge]

I can tell you that the method you use matters, especially if you want to use them on a bow limbs….don’t use glycerin
View attachment 589104

That's really bad ass. Yes it definitely matters, that's why I'm asking questions! What was your method!? Those look amazing.

 

[wytx]

You can buy enough Snake Tan for one snake and it is less than $20.
We tried all the methods mentioned above and Snake Tan is our choice now after using it.
However, we did not tan our snakes for use a bow backing or anything else, just for a wall hanging.
Looks like Beendare is a good source for info, nice bows.

 

[Beendare]

That's really bad ass. Yes it definitely matters, that's why I'm asking questions! What was your method!? Those look amazing.

They have to be dry tanned.......I'm not 100% clear on the process that is best.

I rinsed the skins really good, used waterproof wood glue to apply the skins then when dry trimmed, scraped off the scales and applied 4 layers of spray gloss poly another couple mist coats of Matt poly. Still going strong 12 years later.

 

[AlpineRidge]

You can buy enough Snake Tan for one snake and it is less than $20.
We tried all the methods mentioned above and Snake Tan is our choice now after using it.
However, we did not tan our snakes for use a bow backing or anything else, just for a wall hanging.
Looks like Beendare is a good source for info, nice bows.

Nice to know, I think that the one I saw was Tan a Snake for $60.

Here's a little progress on the skin. This is after being salted for two days (Removed salt after 24 hours and re-salted) and then scraping the rest of the tiny bits of flesh from the skin and washed with dish soap. Beer can is for size reference. After the photo was taken I rubbed the tanning formula into the skin and folded it onto its self. Tomorrow morning i will open it up and air dry it for 3 days while stretching the skin periodically. Hopefully I get a workable product like Beendare has!