Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: sleek on March 10, 2012, 03:03:11 pm

Title: snake skin finish
Post by: sleek on March 10, 2012, 03:03:11 pm

When Yall finish your bows and decide to lay snake skin over em, do yall just glue down the skin and leave it, or put a finish over it? If you do, what do you use and why?

Title: Re: snake skin finish
Post by: sleek on March 10, 2012, 03:10:23 pm

I am thinking a waterd down light coat of tightbondIII?

Title: Re: snake skin finish
Post by: seabass on March 10, 2012, 03:15:33 pm

i used the same finish that i use on the bow to go over the skins.

Title: Re: snake skin finish
Post by: Carson (CMB) on March 10, 2012, 03:34:01 pm

I have used both polyurethane and shellac on snake skins, both with good results, and as seabass said, the same finish as on the rest of the bow.   

Title: Re: snake skin finish
Post by: sleek on March 10, 2012, 04:42:05 pm

What if I want a non glossy finish for hunting purposes?

Title: Re: snake skin finish
Post by: osage outlaw on March 10, 2012, 06:25:01 pm

I use tru-oil over skins.  Makes them really shine.  If you want a dull finish, spray a coat of satin polyurethane over it.

Title: Re: snake skin finish
Post by: RDK on March 10, 2012, 06:30:35 pm

For a dull snake skin finish-- I leave the scales on--finish with tru-oil and then go over everything with steel wool to further dull the finish.  I think leaving the scales on gives the skins depth so there is less shine-the wool further dulls.  I'll try the spray satin poly on descaled skins next time--sounds like that may give a nicer look. 

Title: Re: snake skin finish
Post by: sleek on March 10, 2012, 07:27:23 pm

I have already taken the scales off, I will try the satin poly finish to see how that looks...