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How to Tan a Snake

Tanning is a process by which an animal hide is cured and preserved. Snake skins are often tanned and put on display to show their beautiful skin. Skinning a snake and tanning the skin is completed within a matter of days. Buy all of the supplies necessary to complete the tanning process yourself. Or, simply order a tanning kit, which includes everything necessary to complete the job.

Things You'll Need

Knife
Tanning kit
Glycerin
Rubbing alchohol
Container
Lid
Cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Scrape off all the fat and meat from the snakeskin, using your knife.
- 2
  Pour equal parts of rubbing alcohol and pure glycerin in the container. Use enough to completely cover the snakeskin. Mix the alcohol and glycerin.
- 3
  Submerge the snakeskin in the mixture and place the lid on the container.
- 4
  Stir the alcohol and glycerin mixture once a day, making sure the snakeskin stays submerged. Leave the snakeskin in the closed container for three days.
- 5
  Take the snakeskin out after three days and rinse it with cold water.
- 6
  Scrape the snakeskin with a dull knife to remove any remaining membrane.
- 7
  Apply a light coating of glycerin on the flesh side of the snakeskin and hang it up to dry.
- 8
  Allow the snakeskin to dry for 24 hours, then wipe off any residue with a damp cloth.

Animals & Science