python skins (need more help)

[rmorris]

At the local leather shop they are selling python skins for $40.

Has anyone ever backed a bow with python skins?

Do I also need to remove the scales from the python after glue up?

I also do not want them to be shiny so what finish do you recommend for a good mate finish?

[DVSHUNTER]

I've used python a lot. As long as they were air dried then you are fine to use them. I used to use tou oil on them,but now i mainly use shellac as a finish. You do have to remove the scales first before finishing. The swap thread has pic of my last python skinned bow I think on page 160ish.

[rmorris]

The guy who wants the skins on his bow also wants the scales left on .  I told him the finish would crack and dirt would get under the scales .... What is the official reason for removing the scales?

[PEARL DRUMS]

Leaving scales on is a bad plan. The finish wont adhere like it should and that just gives moisture a chance to sneak under. Skins look 10x better without scales anyway. The true color comes out vividly.

[Mike Yancey]

If its air dried the scales are going to come off wheather he wants them on or not once the bow is shot. The pythons have such a fine scale anyway most come off when you soak them and put them on.
Mike

[red hill]

Many people I've talked to think the color is actually in the scales. They don't realize that the scales are like finger nails and are transparent.

[dmikeyj]

Just tell him that when the scales DO fall off, it will take the protective finish right along with it.

[rmorris]

Alright so I am still a little scared about causing hours of cleanup on a bow that is not mine. So I did a few test strips.  When I attempted to remove the scales  the tape tore the skin and did not remove any scales.... Only a very small corner of the scales actually move at all , and if you try to pull one off it also tears the skin... I got the python skin from Tandy's Leather any one have any suggestions now? Thanks again

[rmorris]

Is ther any chance the skins have been descaled from the supplier?

[PEARL DRUMS]

User painters tape and peel it off towards the tail. Duct tape is mean stuff. I use it on thicker skins like canebrake, rat or even big WDB's.

[2treks]

Has the skin been tanned? I am not aware of any air dried skins from them.
Like Mike said, if its air dried,the scales will come off.I have never torn an air dried skin while removing scales.

[DVSHUNTER]

It looks like the scales are already off. They should come off pretty easy, although on my thicker Skeeredns like the last one I couldn't get tape to pull them off. I ended up using a pink rubber pencil eraser to rub them off. It worked great. Try rubbing them and if nothing comes off then you know.

[Pat B]

Those skins are probably tanned and the scales have been removed.