Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: gfugal on April 06, 2018, 11:47:36 am

Title: Waterproofing sinew backed bows
Post by: gfugal on April 06, 2018, 11:47:36 am

Other than the traditional birch bark backing what other ways could you waterproof a sinewed back bow? Could you put a coat of TBIII on it? or will that just look weird as a finish base-layer? Maybe it would be better if you put a thin backing of cloth or paper glued on with TBIII top of the sinew. Maybe if you used polyurethane or something else as a finish it would be enough.

Title: Re: Waterproofing sinew backed bows
Post by: PatM on April 06, 2018, 02:18:50 pm

Very thin rawhide gives a nice base for applying typical water resistant bow finishes.  Snakeskin is obviously another option and naturally  more resistant already.   Quite a few guys have mentioned using Titebond as a coating.

 Massey finish has been used with no intermediate layer  and others have just applied  tru-oil or poly and even exterior grade paint.

Title: Re: Waterproofing sinew backed bows
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on April 06, 2018, 02:23:37 pm

As far as leaving the back in sinew with no other coverings, I think dipping the entire bow in urethane works the best. I did one limb at a time, two dips per limb.

Title: Re: Waterproofing sinew backed bows
Post by: osage outlaw on April 06, 2018, 06:53:21 pm

I prefer to put snake skins over sinew

Title: Re: Waterproofing sinew backed bows
Post by: BowEd on April 07, 2018, 06:49:04 am

I've only ever used snake skins or birch bark.Put on with TB 3.Then a finish over that.Giving it layers of protection in that way.

Title: Re: Waterproofing sinew backed bows
Post by: Badger on April 07, 2018, 06:56:19 am

Quote from: BowEd on April 07, 2018, 06:49:04 am

I've only ever used snake skins or birch bark.Put on with TB 3.Then a finish over that.Giving it layers of protection in that way.

  I do it the same way Ed, I use TB3 over the sinew.

Title: Re: Waterproofing sinew backed bows
Post by: Bob Barnes on April 07, 2018, 02:21:41 pm

Quote from: Badger on April 07, 2018, 06:56:19 am

Quote from: BowEd on April 07, 2018, 06:49:04 am

I've only ever used snake skins or birch bark.Put on with TB 3.Then a finish over that.Giving it layers of protection in that way.

  I do it the same way Ed, I use TB3 over the sinew.

x3
I have 2 sinew backed bows drying right now...they will both get snakeskin over the sinew when dried.

Title: Re: Waterproofing sinew backed bows
Post by: Pat B on April 07, 2018, 03:33:56 pm

I used TBIII as a waterproofing a sinew backed bow but added snake skin over that.

Title: Re: Waterproofing sinew backed bows
Post by: gfugal on April 09, 2018, 03:45:09 pm

I don't have birch bark or snake skins right now. I am wanting to use what I have, but it sounds like some finishes, and TB3 should work. Thanks for the responses guys!