Author Topic: Ironwood selfbow decoration…  (Read 1771 times)

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Offline darknite

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Ironwood selfbow decoration…
« on: June 27, 2020, 03:49:50 pm »
How do you guys decorate an ironwood selfbow? Paint/stain/decal/skin? I’m nearing that stage on my 1st HHB bow where a decision has to be made regarding how I want it to look. Ironwood has what is commonly referred to as a “muscled” back, suggesting it might be challenging to cover with a decal or skin. A totally white bow just seems like a clean slate begging for some artistry. At least my hickory bow has some cambium character to it.

Offline Ricardovanleeuwen

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Re: Ironwood selfbow decoration…
« Reply #1 on: June 27, 2020, 03:54:48 pm »
maybe Back It with feathers and let the hairs follow the muscle?

Offline osage outlaw

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Re: Ironwood selfbow decoration…
« Reply #2 on: June 27, 2020, 04:13:36 pm »
I've seen textured back bows that have been painted several different colors and then sanding through it in the high spots.  The result was a cool looking camo pattern.  I've never tried it, just seen it so take that for what it's worth.
I started out with nothin' and I still got most of it left

Offline Pat B

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Re: Ironwood selfbow decoration…
« Reply #3 on: June 27, 2020, 06:27:53 pm »
Hand rubbed with finely ground charcoal with oil or water. If you use water it will raise the grain so you'll have to lightly sand it to remove the stubble. This gives a nice, subtle coloration to a whitewood bow.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline bassman

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Re: Ironwood selfbow decoration…
« Reply #4 on: June 27, 2020, 07:48:40 pm »
I have painted them,and sinew backed them, and added a cloth snake skin on the back. You can dark walnut stain them too. Just depends what you want.

Offline bradsmith2010

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Re: Ironwood selfbow decoration…
« Reply #5 on: June 27, 2020, 08:01:41 pm »
creativity is infinite,, :)

Offline DC

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Re: Ironwood selfbow decoration…
« Reply #6 on: June 27, 2020, 08:05:25 pm »
My creativity is infinitesimal ;D ;D

Offline PatM

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Re: Ironwood selfbow decoration…
« Reply #7 on: June 27, 2020, 08:53:11 pm »
Just stain it with leather dye.

Offline Santanasaur

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Re: Ironwood selfbow decoration…
« Reply #8 on: June 28, 2020, 05:11:11 am »
I like leaving the cambium streaky and finishing with shellac or tru oil. Have also used leather dye which can look nice. Here's one I just finished up this week https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54f2R30cpOc&t=87s

Offline Hamish

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Re: Ironwood selfbow decoration…
« Reply #9 on: June 28, 2020, 05:50:53 am »
Santanasaur. Loved the video. Beautiful country side, great workshop(and drawknife collection) Bow turned out awesome, plenty of character. Keep up the good work

Offline bjrogg

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Re: Ironwood selfbow decoration…
« Reply #10 on: June 28, 2020, 06:48:28 am »
I’ve used snake skins plenty of times. The wet skins will lay down fine on the muscles. Just make sure you squeeze the access glue and air out. I’ve used prairie rattler, western diamond back, Texas broadband water snake and garner on HHB.
My favorite are Texas broadband ( search This is not big Al) and I really like garner( search A walk on the beach) Hopefully you can find them adding Bjrogg might help.

I’ve also used a airbrush, stencils and wood stain with some pretty cool results. Try searching (Deep Roots) and ( Sugar Shack).

Also (Leap Year) is a combination of skins and airbrush

Hope you can find some inspiration. Or at least the threads.

Bjrogg
A hot cup of coffee and a beautiful sunrise

Offline Weylin

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Re: Ironwood selfbow decoration…
« Reply #11 on: June 28, 2020, 09:57:31 am »
Fiebing's leather dye is my go to decoration on whitewoods.

Offline GlisGlis

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Re: Ironwood selfbow decoration…
« Reply #12 on: June 30, 2020, 04:20:10 am »
I love fish skins  )F(