How to Tan a Snakeskin & Keep It Flexible

Snakeskin makes for a decorative mounting piece once preserved and tanned.

For adventurous foodies and hunters alike, snake meat is a coveted treat. Depending on the type of snake you've captured, its skin may also be worth hanging on to. Once preserved and tanned, your snake's skin will make an interesting and decorative mounting piece for your wall. Even expertly preserved skins can become dry and brittle over time, but application of a leather balm can help retain its flexibility.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Knife
• Wire brush
• Glycerin
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Sealable container (plastic or glass)
• Butter knife
• Medium sized paint brush
• Leather conditioner
• Soft cloths

Instructions

Skinning the Snake and Preparing the Solution

1. Insert one blade of your scissors into the anal cavity of the snake. Cut a straight, even line through the skin up to just behind the head.

2. Snip off the snake's head with your scissors. Start from the tail and peel the skin back toward the head, using a sharp knife to shave it away from the underlying meat. Hold down the body as you peel for greater leverage.

3. Continue peeling and shaving until the skin is completely removed. Store or set aside the meat, and place the skin fleshy side up on your work surface.

4. Scrape the fleshy side of the skin with a wire brush to remove all remaining tissue and fat. Wash the skin under a faucet or with a garden hose and wipe dry with a towel.

5. Mix equal parts glycerin and isopropyl alcohol in your sealable container. The container should be large enough to house the skin and the solution should be deep enough to cover it entirely.

Preserving, Tanning and Conditioning the Skin

1. Roll up the skin loosely and submerge it in the solution. Seal the container with the lid and allow the skin to sit for three days. Agitate the container once daily to ensure proper submersion.

2. Remove the snakeskin and rinse under a faucet or with a garden hose. Blot the skin dry with a towel and use a butter knife to scrape away lingering tissue and fat.

3. Apply a coat of glycerin to both sides of the skin using a medium sized paint brush. Lay the skin on a flat surface or hang it to dry for 24 hours. After the skin is completely dry, a coat of hide tanning solution may be added to deepen the color of the snakeskin. Leave the skin to dry.

4. Rub a coat of leather conditioner onto both sides of the skin. Allow the conditioner to penetrate and soften the skin for the time suggested on the container.

5. Buff off excess conditioner using a soft cloth. Re-apply the conditioner every few months to keep the skin flexible.

Tips & Warnings

• Snake skinning is not for the squeamish. If you wish to tan the skin yourself but do not wish to cut into the snake, ask a friend or relative to perform this part of the process.

• Add a teaspoon of salt to the glycerin and isopropyl alcohol solution to help soften the skin during submersion.

• Visit your local hunting goods or crafts store for the materials you'll need for snakeskin preservation, tanning and conditioning.

• Check with your county's Fish & Game department before capturing or killing any snakes. Unlawful hunting may result in penalties.

• Do not allow children or pets near your work area or near the sealed container.

References

• The Tannery, Inc.: How to Tan a Snakeskin
• Leatherworker: How to Tan a Snakeskin