How to Cure Alligator Skin

Alligator skin is one of the most popular exotic skins used to make leather for shoes, purses and other products. If you’re trying to process your own alligator skin to turn it into leather for a craft project, you might not know where to start. Before embarking on this project, consider some helpful tips about how to cure alligator skin in Louisiana to help you transform your alligator skin into beautiful leather that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Here is a step-by-step guide to how to effectively cure an alligator skin:

• Gather the right tools: Before you get started with curing your alligator skin, make sure you have all the right tools on hand. You’ll need a large, clean space with plenty of good light to start the process. You will also need salt, a scraper, a knife, a knife sharpener and a table that’s at a comfortable height for working on.
• Skin the alligator: The key to successfully skinning an alligator is to use slow, steady motions and follow a clear path. There are detailed instructions on how to skin an alligator on the website of the Alligator Advisory Council of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. There are also additional resources available online with plenty of diagrams, photos and videos to help guide you through the process.
• Take time to thoroughly scrape the hide: Many of the most common quality issues with alligator hides are caused by a lack of scraping during the skinning process. Take as much time as you need to effectively scrape the hide of any and all debris to get it as clean as possible before moving on to the next step.
• Cure the hide: Once you’ve finished skinning the alligator and scraping the hide, it’s time to start the curing process. To cure your alligator skin, start by thoroughly rubbing salt into the entire skin. This will remove excess moisture to prevent bacteria growth and prepare the skin for curing. After you’ve salted the alligator hide, it’s time to make the brine to cure the pelt. Make the brine by mixing 50 pounds of salt, one pound of borax, one pint of bleach and 25 gallons of water. Mix the solution in a large drum with a lid. Roll up the alligator hide and wrap it with rubber bands to keep it rolled while it brines. Add the hide to the brine solution and cover with a lid to keep out insects and contaminants. Remove the pelt after brining for 24 to 48 hours.

Get help with your alligator pelt in Louisiana

At Acadian Leather, we know that curing alligator skin isn’t always as easy as it seems, and we are here to ensure that you get the best results possible from alligator pelt processing. We have been working in leather for decades, and we have a reputation for quality and variety in the exotic leather products we have to offer. Find out more about our products and services by giving us a call today!

Categorised in: Leather Care