Bootblacking Snakeskin

Aftercare is a very important factor in upkeep of snakeskin boots. Using a soft dry cotton cloth, wipe with the direction of the scales to remove topical dirt and dust. Use a very soft brush (ie: sable paintbrush) to gently remove dirt and dust underneath scales. Do not lift scales.

General cleaning of snakeskin footwear is best done with a cotton cloth slightly dampened with plain water. Since snake scales are water resistant soap products and excessive water will run off the scales and down to the membrane causing drying and curling of the scales.

Use conditioners specifically made for snakeskin/reptiles. These conditioners are lighter in composition than most general leather conditioners. This does not refer to the viscosity but to the product ingredients. (Imagine the difference between vegetable oil and Crisco. Both are the same ingredients but Crisco is hydrogenated giving it a different viscosity. Therefore, just because a leather conditioner is more liquid or in spray formula does not mean it contains lighter conditioner ingredients. Using products for smooth leather may leave a residue that will build up around the membranes that hold the scales and cause scales to crack or fall off.

Should you put wax on snakeskin for shine enhancement? If this is needed it’s best to use a cream product as opposed to a hard wax. There is no need to use multiple coats of the cream polish. DO NOT use colored cream polish on natural colored snakeskin; it will react with the chemicals used in tanning and tinge the skin green. Use neutral cream polish instead.

White snakeskin (such as many Python skin boots) is actually bleached. Boots made from bleached snakeskin will eventually return to their natural golden color... that's just the way it is. Re-bleaching will shorten the life of the boot.

Most snakeskin boots are made with a layer of snakeskin laminated over cow skin. The cow leather will become dry over time. To rejuvenate the cow leather use a quality leather conditioner on the inside of the boot and let sit for a few days.

© Elegant 2006