Superglue as a Bow Finish

[Adam Keiper]

Has anyone tried the runny superglue as a bow finish?  I've used it to seal porous or oily woods and to paste down snakeskin scales "prior" to final sanding and finishing, but never as a finish in itself.  Using the fingertip with latex or vinyl gloves to apply, of course.

[Dano]

I would think it would be a little pricey, compared to most finishes, if it does work. I don't recall anyone ever using it.

[Pat B]

Art Butner has used it as an arrow finish. I don't know about bows.
   Weren't a few folks using it on snake skins a few years ago until they started having problems with it?        Pat

[Art B]

That ABC bow I entered for '06 had a super glue undercoat with a urethane over that Adam. The super glue finish was used as a temporary finish while the bow was being shot-in. And as Pat mentioned, I finish out many of my hunting arrows using only super glue. Quick and easy!

At a buck for four tubes not so expensive Dano. ART B

[Dano]

Humm, I thought I paid more it, oh well. Your right Art, not too bad.

[Art B]

Wally World sells a four-pack for 1.00 Dano. For a finish you want the cheap runny stuff. The good thicker glue(and more expensive)won't let you run it out(using a paper towel)very well before it sets. Makes for a super slick finish and that's another reason I like it for an arrow finish. ART

[Art B]

Oh, and keep a bottle of acetone handle.........live and learn! ART B

[Ghost Dog]

Super glue off-gases in small amounts, which is toxic enough, but as a finish you could end up a little silly.

[kenny 6]

Adam, I've finished 2 Ipe bamboo bows with super glue. I use Zap made by Pacer in the pink bottle (super thin). You can get a 1 oz. bottle at most hobby shops for about $8.00 and you might use 1/4 of the bottle. I use thick blue paper towels and move very quick do not let it dry to your bow and it will start to smoke when it goes off. Make sure you are WELL vented with a breeze at your back, I had a trash can about 5' away to throw the paper towels in to keep the vapors away. Have acetone handy and 120 grit to clean your hands and safty glasses are a good idea also. One good thing about the glue finish is that it is very easy to touch up, sand your bad spots with 320/400 and try again. Good luck and be safe the smoke will burn your eyes also store the unused glue in a safe place to avoid accidents.

[Bowferd]

Great idea. I'm going to give it a try. To make the super glue last, store it in the freezer and it will never harden.

[hera]