Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: NewBowyer on January 19, 2022, 12:52:12 pm
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I’m wondering about a sealer to finish a honeysuckle bow I backed with rawhide using TB3 glue. Are the usual wood sealers compatible with rawhide, or are there some I should avoid? At home I have Thunderbird sealer (which I love on all the arrows I build), boiled linseed oil, Minwax tung oil, Minwax Helmsman spray spar urethane, and Minwax polycrylic (which made a very nice but glossy finish on a maple bow I made). For convenience I prefer to use one of these if possible, but am not opposed to something else if all these are poor choices with the rawhide.
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Try Oil works for me.
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snake skin .. or the spar urethene would be my choice.. not sure about an oil on rawhide..may soften it..but I never backed with rawhide either.. gut
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I finished a small kid’s bow with that spray spar urethane and it makes a nice smooth satiny finish. Just not sure of what is and isn’t compatible with rawhide & TB3 glue.
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I like boiled linseed oil. but thats just personal preference. it may turn the rawhide yellow. I know that Tru oil is a popular finish and i think it looks really good! I havent gotten my hands on any yet though
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I’ve backed quite a few bows with rawhide and I have had good success with multiple coats of Tru-oil followed by a final coat of spar urethane to reduce the shine.
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I typically use tru-oil or spar varnish. Both work fine.
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I have done many and do the same as Will B. Pappy
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I've made plenty of rawhide backed bows and do the same as Will B but I use Deft spray satin poly to cut the shine. Tru Oil is a high gloss finish but works well over rawhide.
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Tru-oil leaves a film which can be scratched - rules it out for me.
Seriously guys try pure Tung oil and follow the instructions ;) Tung oil finishes have a whole lot going for them!
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True , tru oil can be scratched but also very easy to rub out or easily refinished . ;)
Pappy
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I agree with Pappy. Tru-Oil is very easy ti repair if needed.
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Any thoughts on how best to deal with the seam where the 2 strips of rawhide overlap? Not sure it can be sanded.
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I usually use 2 pieces of rawhide on a backing because it is easier than trying to lay one long piece down. A simple butt joint or a scarfed joint works well in the center of the handle and the handle wrap covers the joint.
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Any thoughts on how best to deal with the seam where the 2 strips of rawhide overlap? Not sure it can be sanded.
I agree the center of the handle is best, but sanding it is fine as well
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Tru-oil leaves a film which can be scratched - rules it out for me.
Seriously guys try pure Tung oil and follow the instructions ;) Tung oil finishes have a whole lot going for them!
What brand of tung oil you use bownarra?
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Not sure on what to use but I am really curious about this honeysuckle bow. The one I made blew up pretty violently tillering but I didn't back it. I have tons of honeysuckle and some in the 5" diameter range and so far it has just been firewood but I keep thinking it should make a bow. Seems to be tough and springy stuff. You should post some pictures when you get it finished.
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Thanks I'll try gently sanding it. I purposely made the joint low so my hand wouldn't touch it in case I don't use a wrap.