How to Apply Snakeskins to a Recurve Bow

Covering the back of the limbs with snakeskin is a popular way to decorate a recurve bow --- not only does it look great, but it's also very easy to do. Some even find that the skin slightly improves the bow's performance, working like the sinew on an early compound bow. As long as you use high-quality glue, you can simply adhere the skin to the wood, completing the entire task overnight.

Things You'll Need

  • Recurve bow
  • 2 snakeskins
  • Degreaser
  • Wood stain
  • Wood glue
  • Paintbrushes
  • Warm water
  • Paper towel
  • Razor blade
  • Packing tape
  • Epoxy or urethane finish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rub the bow with degreaser to clean it before you begin. This will remove any wood oil on the surface and allow the skin to stick properly. Stain the back of the bow dark, if it's made of a light-colored wood. The darker color will bring out the pattern of the snakeskin better.

    • 2

      Immerse the skins in warm water for a few minutes while you brush wood glue onto the back of one limb. There's no need to soak the snakeskin --- you simply want it wet enough to soften.

    • 3

      Remove the skins from the water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Brush glue onto the back of one skin and apply the snakeskin to the back of the limb, with the scales pointing toward the tip. Roll a screwdriver along the length of the skin to work out any air bubbles before the glue sets.

    • 4

      Repeat with the other limb. Add glue to both the wood and the other skin, adhering the two together, and eliminating any air pockets.

    • 5

      Wait a couple hours and then trim off the excess skin that extends beyond the edge of the limb. Run a razor blade along the limb's edge while pulling up on the strip of skin to be discarded, making a clean cut.

    • 6

      Allow the glue to cure overnight, and then remove any scales left on the skin, to smooth it. Lay a strip of packing tape onto the snakeskin, rub it with your finger to warm it up by friction, and then carefully pull it up. The scales will come free without damaging the appearance of the skin. Glue down any loose edges and conclude with a few coats of epoxy or urethane finish.