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After skinning the snake, lay the skin scale down on a flat surface. Dust the skin with Borax to pull the moisture from the skin and to set the scales.
Flesh the skin with a fleshing tool.
Wash in cool water and let drain.
Pickle:
For every gallon of water add 3 ounces by weight of pickling crystals and 1/2 lb. of salt.
Mix enough solution to free float the skin.
Leave the skin in the solution for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight.
Remove the skin from the pickle solution and rinse with cold water.
Tanning:
Lay the skin scale side down and pin to a heavy cardboard.
Dry for 3 hours, then apply a light coat of Reptile Tan
Dry for 4 hours more and then apply another coat of Reptile Tan
Continue to apply Reptile Tan until the skin feels soft to the touch, up to 10 coats.
When finished, wipe the excess oil off with denatured alcohol
If desired, a light coat of natural shoe polish may be applied to bring out the shine
Remember: Always dry the snake skin in a cool dark place, away from the sun.
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