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Authentic middle age finish on bows

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Robby101:
I seem to remember reading that a bow finished with green paint cost slightly more than one not. In the era of the long bow, those folks were well able to make paint's that were fairly durable, probably from a linseed oil base. Using various mineral and organic pigments they probably soon discovered just what worked as a drying agent when mixed with boiled linseed oil.
Personally, I like the glow of the natural wood. I suppose you could research 'varnish' and find something suitable. They had guilds that kept secret many things that were unique to their particular craft, but also were constantly looking and experimenting with new things to enhance that art.
I have made varnish by boiling linseed oil with lead oxide ( that frosty white powdery stuff found on lead when exposed to the elements), and exposing it to direct sunlight after application. It makes a soft but durable finish, but I would still wax it. If you found what they were using for green pigmentation back then you could add it to that mix and you would have paint.
Curiosity leads to discovery, or in some cases re-discovery and those wonderful 'AHA' moments! Good luck in your search!!!
Robby

Robby101:
I just had another thought. They also made paint using milk as a base and for that most of the work has already been done for you, as authentic milk paints are readily available. Also the components for egg based (Tempera) paints are sold. Both are very old formulas.
Robby

lostarrow:
Linseed oil and lamp blacking (the fine soot that collects on the globe of oil lamps,etc.)  was a known finish for furniture at the time. The lamp black was just used to enhance grain  . A stain of sorts.

toomanyknots:
I would guess tallow would be up there as a common finish, as all you need is fat to make it. It would probably be pretty common I would think.

Robby101:
This may help you a bit.
http://www.newportrestoration.org/sup/files/paint_18th_century_newport.pdf
Robby

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