Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: upstatenybowyer on January 10, 2017, 06:51:10 pm

Title: Painting on rawhide?
Post by: upstatenybowyer on January 10, 2017, 06:51:10 pm

Greetings. Now that I've put snake skins on a few bows, I realize how much I dig them. I'd use them all the time if I could, but I can't, so, I've been thinking about what other ways there are to decorate over a protective backing.

I just backed one with rawhide and the job went well yielding a nice smooth surface to work with. So I'm wondering if there are any natural paints out there that will stand the test of time with an oil finish applied over them. I could just go with acrylic, but I'd much rather keep it primitive if I can.

Thanks!

Title: Re: Painting on rawhide?
Post by: bradsmith2010 on January 10, 2017, 07:24:02 pm

well oil paint is just linseed oil mixed with ground pigment,,,
they make ground pigments of a wide variety,, you could mix it with hide glue,, or egg whites,,make it as complicated as you need too,, :)

Title: Re: Painting on rawhide?
Post by: Pat B on January 10, 2017, 07:53:27 pm

Even though not natural acrylic craft paint from Wally World works well on rawhide backings and it comes in many colors; some natural looking, some not.  India ink(natural I think) works well for drawing on rawhide.

Title: Re: Painting on rawhide?
Post by: Redhand on January 10, 2017, 08:00:44 pm

I use earth pigments mixed with hide glue.  It seems to work pretty well for me

Title: Re: Painting on rawhide?
Post by: upstatenybowyer on January 10, 2017, 08:15:39 pm

Quote from: Pat B on January 10, 2017, 07:53:27 pm

Even though not natural acrylic craft paint from Wally World works well on rawhide backings and it comes in many colors; some natural looking, some not.  India ink(natural I think) works well for drawing on rawhide.

This might be the way to go as I think I'm going w/ a tribal pattern.

Title: Re: Painting on rawhide?
Post by: aaron on January 10, 2017, 09:37:07 pm

I also use earth pigments mixed with thin hide glue.

Title: Re: Painting on rawhide?
Post by: Knoll on January 10, 2017, 11:00:46 pm

Will look forward to the results.

Title: Re: Painting on rawhide?
Post by: Hawkdancer on January 10, 2017, 11:32:07 pm

If you don't go with the earth pigments, both Track of the Wolf and Panther Primitives carry a lot of paints that will work.  I assume you want " local " patterns from your area.
Hawkdancer

Title: Re: Painting on rawhide?
Post by: chamookman on January 11, 2017, 05:09:38 am

Crazy Crow carries Pigment Paints. Bob

Title: Re: Painting on rawhide?
Post by: High-Desert on January 11, 2017, 01:08:06 pm

I've tried mixing earth pigments with shellac, linseed oil, hide glue, and egg yolk on wood, and all have heald up with and oil coating and poly. I like the shellac the best so far, as it goes on smooth and drys quick. I don't like the egg personally, because I can't get it to paint smooth, but it does give a more subdued, pastel sort of look.

Eric