Snakes are probably one of the deadliest species out there but they are also one the most beautiful ones. The slick, scaly shimmer of our reptilian friend emanates a shadowy coolness, only concealing its voracious primal nature by a distinctive serpentine cunning. There is both power and subtlety to be found in this most elegant of leathers, and a clandestine air of authority.
Characteristics and Tips to protect your snakeskin leather goods:
Another thing to keep in mind while dealing with a snakeskin leather is that they are really fragile if treated improperly. The skin is by nature highly absorbent and will take in and release moisture around it more quickly than most leather types. Due to this characteristic, standard leather products like alcohol, oil, and acetone can actually ruin your snakeskin leather care efforts. Weather, extreme temperatures, spills, and dusty floors can also be hazardous to deal with.
If you see in the forecaster that is going to be a rainy day, the best thing you can do is avoid to use your leather bag or leather shoes. Untreated weather or environment effects may lead to dye runs, staining or water damage.
How to care about your precious snake leather bag
- If your lovely leather bag or shoes get wet, simply dry the water off with a dry, white cotton or flannel cloth. In case you don't have any handy cloth, then use a tissue to blot up the moisture. It will work!.
- When you are blotting up the water, remember to always try to swipe in the direction of the scales. This is REALLY IMPORTANT. if you brush, blot or swipe in the opposite direction of the scales then you could do some permanent damage to your snakeskin leather good.
- After you have dried your snakeskin leather as much as you can with the cloth or tissue you'll have to allow them to dry naturally in a cool place indoors. Remember away from direct heat and sunlight.
- For storage, you'll have to put your snake leather goodie in a dry place, away from heat and sunlight and in a clean place. Dust bags are your best friends.
Tips to preserving your snakeskin leather goodies
- Cleaning and conditioning your snakeskin leather will have to be routinely, usually about two to three times a year.
- Do not use commercial cleaning or conditioning leather products.
- Always read about the pH levels on the solution you use for your snakeskin leather.
- You can simply use water and a cloth for cleaning. Just grab the soft cloth and very lightly dampen it. Clean in the same direction of the scales. Be careful while cleaning because even if this type of exotic leather is water resistant, too much water can deposit under the scales and provoke some irreparable damage, the scales can peel off too.
- You can determine the direction by feeling the skin with your finger in a straight line. If the leather feels coarse and rough, you’re going the wrong way; the natural flow of the scales with feel smooth to the touch.
- After you have determined the scale’s course and spread conditioner evenly and thinly over the surface, use a dry cloth to pick up any remaining moisture.
- As you are working with scales, you may find you cloth will not be able to get everything. In this case, try gently using a bristled brush to get rid of any dirt embedded between the scales. Sable brushes are particularly good at this, but use them with care.
- For conditioning, use only solutions specifically formulated for reptile and exotic leather. After you have covered the surface of the material, wait about fifteen minutes for the product to dry and buff it off with a cloth.
- Snakeskins with a matte finish may not need to be polished after. When you’re working with a large leather item like a handbag or suitcase, finish one side before starting another, and give it time to rest after a couple sides to dry thoroughly and evenly.
