tanning rattlesnake skin

[jdlara]

I have a few rattlers planning on trying a DIY project to tan the skins never attempted this before looking for advise. So far i think im going for the Wasco snake and reptile DIY kit. i have been researching online and so far that one seems fool proof with the best end results and easy step by step instructions any advise would be greatly appreciated.Thanks

[Hyde]

There's a product called Snaketan.  A friend of mine invented it, and it works great.  (that could be what Wasco sells)

[boneaddict]

What to watch for.......do you want it soft and subtle or do you want it preserved..........

Snaketan does the first quite well.    It will be soft and what you'd use for say a purse or handbag or for a NICE headban.

The other....such as borax and salt or drytan.   Great for stretching hides on the wall for display, but not for making clothing etc.     Can work for headbands, but definately a different "look" than the snaketan.   

There are other homeade remedies on the net.   One popular one is using antifreeze.   

[jdlara]

thanks Boneaddict and Hyde Im going to look into both of you suggestions. Im planning on making atleast one maybe two into hat bands. It also crossed my mind for a wall display. I think i might try a soft and hard method. see which i prefer thanks for the info.I also lookd into Snaketans website so might be ordering some of that.one of them isnt the biggest but has awsome coloring and patterns.Just trying to find a little something to do to make Bow season arrive sooner lol! Like Perry Tech, work and  kids arent enough lol

[greenhead_killer]

tagged

[JJB11B]

I need to go get a bunch of rattlers this spring. i want to tan them and laminate them to a riflestock

[jdlara]

Any other tips or techniques would be appreciated 

[NWBREW]

What to watch for.......do you want it soft and subtle or do you want it preserved..........

    One popular one is using antifreeze.

That's what we use.  Works great.

[jdlara]

i read that antifreeze technique somewhere on the web but found a couple sites that "claimed"  after about a month it started to grow mold.

[boneaddict]

Snaketan will give you the best results.   Makes it "clothing" smooth.   

fleshing them is easiest with a tablespoon.   start at one end and scrape down.  If you are going to wall mount it, I leave the belly skin to pin, then trim off my pin marks.   Its been awhile.   Try to get one thats nothing special and experiment on before you do your best specimens.   

[Michelle_Nelson]

Use WASCO's Snake Tan.  Thats what I used when I was down in GA.

[carpsniperg2]

I have done a ton of them and borax is the only way to go for me. They always turn out great and have great color

[jdlara]

thanks for all your advise and suggestions