Snake Skin

[Lee Lobbestael]

What glue is best to use when backing a ash self bow with snake skin? I'm ordering  snake skins from 3 rivers and have never done it before! Thanks for any in put

[Pat B]

Tite-Bond III.  Put a thin layer down and let it cure out good first. This will protect your stave from soaking up the moisture from the skins and the glue. Then add another coat of glue plus put a thin coat on the skins and lay them down from the handle out, working out wrinkles, air bubbles and excess glue. If the skin hangs well over the bow you don't need to wrap after adding the skin. With some skins, they are thicker and need wrapping to hold well to the bow as the glue cures. Give your bow at least a few days after skinning it before you stress it.      Pat

[Lee Lobbestael]

Thanks Pat! Is there any kind of finish tht you put on your snake skins or is at this point is it done?

[Pat B]

I use the same finish as is on the bow; in my case it is Tru-Oil. You should seal it well or it will absorb moisture.

[Lee Lobbestael]

Do you stain your bow before or after you skin it? Sorry for all the rookie questions!

[Pat B]

I don't stain the bow wood first. I never saw the need. I know others do.It does change the color of the skin or at least the shade of color.
  I very rarely stain any bow wood. I would rather see it age naturally and osage especially doesn't take long to get a rich brown color from sunlight exposure.