Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Kmm11120 on April 28, 2019, 07:53:10 pm

Title: Oil or stain suggestion
Post by: Kmm11120 on April 28, 2019, 07:53:10 pm

I'm hoping to get some suggestions on a oil or stain scheme to use.  The pic is the handle. It's black walnut.  It's hard to depict but has a purple hue.  The main bow is oak with a maple backing.  I'd like to be able to especially highlight the purple handle, but don't know the best way.   Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Oil or stain suggestion
Post by: Pat B on April 28, 2019, 07:59:04 pm

It would depend on how stable the color is. You might try a UV protective coating, maybe some varnishes have it.

Title: Re: Oil or stain suggestion
Post by: Kmm11120 on April 28, 2019, 08:05:06 pm

The purple is the natural  color of the wood, I guess I hadn't thought of the possibility of fading. 

Title: Re: Oil or stain suggestion
Post by: Pat B on April 28, 2019, 08:11:15 pm

If it's the heartwood it should stay dark but may mellow to a more brown color with finish and age. If the sapwood it seems to slightly darken with a finish.

Title: Re: Oil or stain suggestion
Post by: Kmm11120 on April 28, 2019, 08:19:49 pm

It is heartwood.
As far as coatings, simply a clear varnish with UV?

Title: Re: Oil or stain suggestion
Post by: Hawkdancer on April 28, 2019, 08:52:45 pm

Maybe a spar varnish, but definitely a UV type, I would think a satin to cut down glare.  True Oil may be good.  Works well on walnut gunstocks!
Hawkdancer

Title: Re: Oil or stain suggestion
Post by: Hrothgar on April 29, 2019, 03:30:10 am

Helmsman makes a marine grade spar varnish if you choose to go that route, it has good UV protection.

Title: Re: Oil or stain suggestion
Post by: Pat B on April 29, 2019, 05:24:19 am

I think the color in BW heartwood is pretty stable.