Handle wrap input please?

[lebhuntfish]

Ok I'm pondering,  a new to me at least, handle wrap idea. I really like it but I'm getting stumped on the application process.
What I want to do is,  take some belly scale cut off's from the snake skin that I put on the back of this bow, and wrap them around the handle. I tried a dry fit and it looks pretty cool. I will apply true oil over the whole thing so it will be under the finish so to speak.

I used tight bond 3 thinned with a little bit of water to apply the skins to the back over the sinew. I was thinking on using the same thing  to wrap the handle. But not sure of the mess of the glue squeezing out of the wrap. I thought about super glue but I don't think that is a good idea.
I was hoping that some of you guy's had an idea or had done something similar before. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, Patrick

Here is a pic of what I'm hoping to achieve.

[tattoo dave]

That would be sweet! My only thought would be contact cement, or spray adhesive, that would prevent the glue smearing problem. However, I'm not sure that would be good under tru oil. Best of luck on that. It looks awesome in the pic. Keep us posted, I would like to do the same with some blue racer belly skins I have.

Tattoo Dave

[owlbait]

That looks neat. Would it make sense to wrap it so the overlaps ran down instead of up? That would eliminate the lip/edge where "stuff" could accumulate?

[lebhuntfish]

That looks neat. Would it make sense to wrap it so the overlaps ran down instead of up? That would eliminate the lip/edge where "stuff" could accumulate?

I thought about that and not sure if I won't do that. What  I would like to do though is use the curve of the belly scales to line up with the curve of the shelf.

Thanks Dave! I will definitely make sure I relay how I finally achieve the desired results. Patrick

[bradsmith2010]

heavy gel medium from the art store,, it dries clear,, so any that gets on the skin can be wiped off and when you put the finish on wont show at all,, it is made by liguitex,,,, it will even glue down rawhide,,

[lebhuntfish]

Thanks Brad, do you think I can find that at hobby lobby or Michael's? Patrick

[DavidV]

What I would do (and you know my grips aren't great)is use contact cement to apply it. The several coats of poly to seal it in and keep it smooth. Like how guys stabilize bark edge furniture.

[bubby]

Personally I'd apply it to leather with contact, then put it on like normal and lace it up

[lebhuntfish]

Thanks David and bubby! I like both  of the ideas. I'm going to try an experiment with them. I have plenty to do it with too. I will try to do what bubby stated and try another way on some scrap wood.  I will still have plenty to do the way I started if I don't like those. Thanks for the replies fellas! Patrick

[TimothyR]

Im no expert by far but what about using it on the leather like the previous suggestion and applying it like a racket ball racket wrap. (that was a month full) lol.that might look pretty good.  But like I said im no expert.

[lebhuntfish]

Not a bad idea TimothyR! I'll mess with it to see what I can figure out. Patrick