Removing tanning solution from tanned snakeskin?

[BEN]

I bought a snake skin from an online store. The skin came tanned, not air dried. I didn't realize that it would make a difference untill "Dano" answered a PM I sent him.
Any one know what I need to use/do to remove the tanning solution from the hide before glueing it to a bow?

thanks AGAIN,

Ben

[Dano]

I did a search and found this, sorry this doesn't help a bunch.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=063316#000000

[Pat B]

If it was glycerin tanned(antifreeze) you can soak it in denatured alcohol to remove some of the glycerin. Maybe washing it after wards with Dawn dish soap will help too.

[Pat B]

Hey, at least I'm consistant!  d;^)

[razorsharptokill]

What type of process is used that results in a suede like surface on the meat side of the skin? Sorry to derail the post..

[Pat B]

Jim, that is actually tanned skin; leather. Now days it is usually chromeum salts used in the process. That kind of tanning is permanent. It will work as a backing but because of the thickness and absorbancy it can collect moisture if not sealed real well. It can, however be used for belts or as decorations for a quiver or other leather work.

[Jeremy]

Ben,
The best way would be to trade it to someone for air dried skins  :D   PM me if interested.

[BEN]

So, best bet may be to just soak it with soap/water; size the bow with a thin layer of glue; then just layer the heck out of it with the Tru-oil after the skin is put on and dried.
Maybe even spray it with some sort of spray-on sealer when finished. This won't be a hunting bow---my wife target shoots only--for now.

Jeremy, my wife would probably KILL me if I tried to trade off this skin----she found it on-line and is REALLY wanting this thing on her bow.
 

So.......just hoping this will work, somehow.

Ben

[Dano]

Good luck Ben, I think the tru-oil will seal it well enough.
A guy has got ta do what a guy has got ta do.  

[Pat B]

Be sure to give the bow plenty of time after skinning it for any absorbed moisture to escape before sealing it. I'd place it in a dry area for a week or so before adding the finish.

[BEN]

I'll stick it back into the heat box to dry it out. It has been staying a pretty constant 90 degrees and can get it hotter with a higher watt bulb.

thanks guys,
ben

[Pat B]

90 deg ought to be hot enough. A small fan inside the box helps to dry things out too.