Author Topic: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow  (Read 2104 times)

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Offline NewBowyer

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Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« on: January 19, 2022, 12:52:12 pm »
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.

Offline Stickhead

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Re: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2022, 02:37:19 pm »
Try Oil works for me.

gutpile

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Re: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2022, 02:58:03 pm »
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

Offline NewBowyer

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Re: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2022, 03:03:10 pm »
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.

Offline Deerhunter21

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Re: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2022, 03:51:32 pm »
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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Offline Will B

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Re: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2022, 04:04:49 pm »
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.

Offline Don W

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Re: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2022, 05:59:09 pm »
I typically use tru-oil or spar varnish. Both work fine.
Don

Offline Pappy

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Re: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« Reply #7 on: January 19, 2022, 06:54:28 pm »
I have done many and do the same as Will B. Pappy
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Offline Pat B

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Re: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« Reply #8 on: January 19, 2022, 11:18:25 pm »
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.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

bownarra

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Re: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« Reply #9 on: January 20, 2022, 03:31:19 am »
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!

Offline Pappy

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Re: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« Reply #10 on: January 20, 2022, 08:29:19 am »
True , tru oil can be scratched but also very easy to rub out or easily refinished .  ;)
 Pappy
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Offline Pat B

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Re: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« Reply #11 on: January 20, 2022, 09:36:04 am »
I agree with Pappy. Tru-Oil is very easy ti repair if needed.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline NewBowyer

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Re: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« Reply #12 on: January 22, 2022, 03:23:15 pm »
Any thoughts on how best to deal with the seam where the 2 strips  of rawhide overlap? Not sure it can be sanded.

Offline Pat B

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Re: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« Reply #13 on: January 22, 2022, 05:43:29 pm »
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.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Don W

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Re: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow
« Reply #14 on: January 22, 2022, 05:56:01 pm »
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
Don