Cleaning and caring for snakeskin

Handbags, belts or shoes made of snakeskin are exotic and elegant, but somewhat more demanding to care for. This article explains what you need to consider.

What is snakeskin?

Snakeskin is an exotic leather and comparatively rare. It usually comes from python, boa or other large snake species. Its special feature is that the scales give the leather its distinctive texture and are also its most sensitive part.

Snakeskin is generally very stable, but the scales react sensitively to friction against their direction. Once friction has raised the scales, this cannot be reversed. This is the most important point in care!

Cleaning

For soiling, wipe the leather with a cloth that is only slightly damp; do not work too wet. Use leather cleaners only very carefully and sparingly. Always work in the direction of the scales, never against it. Any mechanical stress against the direction raises the scales. As mentioned above, this is permanent and irreparable.

→ Always first check for changes in a concealed area.

Care

For normal care, use Colourlock Elephant Leather Preserver sparingly. It cares gently and protects against drying out. First rub the grease into a cloth, then carefully apply it to the leather in the direction of the scales.

For open-pore, rough or very old and dry snakeskin, Colourlock Aniline Protector is the better choice. The spray can be applied evenly without placing mechanical stress on the surface.

NOTE:
Snakeskin is not suitable for bad weather. It is better not to use it on rainy days.