How to Cure Snake Skin for a Bow

Snakeskin backing is a beautiful, unique addition to an archery bow. It also provides natural camouflage. A snakeskin must be cured before it can be glued to the limbs of a bow. Curing preserves the skin and keeps it from rotting. Although you can purchase cured snakeskins, performing the process yourself allows you to control the shape and straightness of the scale pattern, guaranteeing the skin will have a clean, polished look once it's on your bow.

Things You'll Need

  • Two long, flat boards
  • Pins
  • String
  • Plastic container with lid
  • Paint brush
  • 1 part formaldehyde
  • 8 parts glycerin
  • 4 parts rubbing alcohol
  • Paper towel
  • Bricks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay a freshly-skinned snakeskin scale-side down on a flat board that is slightly longer and wider than the skin. Arrange the snakeskin so it is flat and the scale pattern is straight and symmetrical.

    • 2

      Place one pin in the center of the scale pattern on each end of the snakeskin. Secure a taut string between the pins. Don't let the string touch the skin.

    • 3

      Center the scale pattern under the string. Place a line of pins along the center of the pattern directly under the string.

    • 4

      Flatten the snakeskin with one hand starting in the middle. Place pins one-half inch apart along both edges of the skin as you continue to flatten it with your hand.

    • 5

      Remove the pins under the string. Pin closed any tears in the skin. Allow the snakeskin to dry for 8 to 10 hours.

    • 6

      Prepare the tanning oil by mixing the formaldehyde, glycerin and rubbing alcohol in a plastic container. Apply one generous coat of the oil to the snakeskin with a clean paint brush. Let the skin sit for 8 to 10 hours.

    • 7

      Remove the pins and turn the skin over. Apply one coat of the oil as before, and let the skin sit for 8 to 10 hours.

    • 8

      Lay the snakeskin flat between several layers of paper towels. Place it between two flat boards, and lay bricks on top for weight. This will press excess oil from the snakeskin. Repeat until no oil is left on the paper towels.