Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Lycanstar on December 19, 2008, 09:38:38 pm

Title: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: Lycanstar on December 19, 2008, 09:38:38 pm

should i apply the backing before coating with spar varnish?  also, is spar varnish or teak oil a better option?  will the movement of the wood fibers upon drawing cause the polyurethane to crack?

Title: Re: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: ZanderPommo on December 19, 2008, 10:05:31 pm

poly works fine on  wood, don't know about linen, whered ya get your linen by the way?

Zander

Title: Re: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: Lycanstar on December 19, 2008, 10:34:56 pm

hobby lobby

Title: Re: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: lowell on December 19, 2008, 11:01:16 pm

Poly should be ok.  I've used it over linen!! ;)

Title: Re: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: armymedic.2 on December 20, 2008, 06:37:11 am

thats a great question, i always thought that the poly would crack too.  i even coated one bow with 6 coats to see if building it up would cause crystals to form.  not a one,  i don't know why it doesn't but it doesn't.  One thing to consider is beware how much sheen is in the poly you pick,  i like matte for hunting bows, and glass for target bows.  no sense in bringing a mirrior to the woods, even though i do it all the time ++ ;D

Title: Re: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: DanaM on December 20, 2008, 06:52:27 am

Spar varnish works fine over linen. Big difference between spar varnish and poly guys, spar varinish is a marine type of finish
its made to be wet and exposed to UV rays. Regular old poly is indoor finish and as such its pretty much crap in my opinion anyway.

Title: Re: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: PeteC on December 20, 2008, 08:56:49 am

Like Dana said.Apply your backing ,then varnish.Another little trick.With spar varnish,you'll get a much cleaner finish if you use several thin coats,versus a couple of heavy coats. Merry Christmas, and God Bless

Title: Re: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 20, 2008, 09:35:13 am

Spar varnish is what I use for bows these days. It comes in spray form  too. Jawge

Title: Re: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: Lycanstar on December 20, 2008, 01:15:45 pm

does the spray give the same results?

Title: Re: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: DanaM on December 20, 2008, 01:28:15 pm

I don't like the spray, its more expensive and I don't think it covers as well but many folks like it.

Title: Re: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 20, 2008, 08:25:19 pm

It dries quicker than the brush on for me. I find it makes a darn near impermeable finish. I usually put on 3 light coats. Jawge

Title: Re: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: DanaM on December 21, 2008, 06:18:28 am

George the only time I tried it, it just wouldn't dry ??? Maybe an old can, it was humid out but regular brush
on dried just fine.

Title: Re: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: Hillbilly on December 21, 2008, 09:41:55 am

I really like the Helmsman spray spar urethane, I've used it on several bows with good results. It usually dries in a few minutes, even here in the Land Of Constant Humidity. Several light coats is the ticket.

Title: Re: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 21, 2008, 09:51:49 am

Apology: spar urethane is what I use now. Spar varnish is what I used to use on my snowshoes. Dana, I've used the spar and brush on. Whatever suits you. I probably brushed on too much so that's why it too so long to dry. Jawge

Title: Re: linen backing THEN varnish?
Post by: Lycanstar on December 22, 2008, 12:27:38 pm

thanks guys.  i appreciate the help.