paper bag backing

[Lee Lobbestael]

I am making a 63.5 inch hickory self bow and I violated a ring on the back slightly. I don't think it will be a problem but I might put a paper bag backing on anyway. My question is how do you do it? Does it still look good with a paper bag backing and is it durable? If someone has pictures of a bow backed with paper bag that they want to post I would really appreciate it! Thanks

[Pat B]

Think what paper is...interlocking wood fibers! Add glue to that and it makes a pretty good backing. You can decorate the backing so you can't tell what the backing is.
  I don't have any pics but what I would do is spread glue on the back of the bow and on the backing strip, put them together and work the excess glue and any air bubbles out with your fingers. Do this out each limb to the tips.

[Jeremy]

I don't have any pics either, but it does work well.  The last one I did was 3 layers of paper.  My one piece of advice: make sure the paper doesn't have anything printed on it.  My bow clearly said "Stop&Shop" in reverse on the top limb after I applied the finish, even though it was on the bottom layer.

[Dano]

I used tissue paper on this bow, it's a hickory backed osage, the hickory lifted a small splinter. The tissue paper did the trick and don't look half bad.
 
 

[Pat B]

I believe one layer of paper will give you the protection you need. Any more will add some protection but will also add extra unwanted weight. If a bow is destine to break, no backing will prevent it. This bow was rawhide backed and had 1000 arrows through it when I pulled it 1" too far. Nothing will fix stupidity! d;^)
 

[Lee Lobbestael]

Thanks guys both of those backings look great! I'm gonna give it a try. What did you guys use to decorate it? Paint? Ha I'll keep that story in mind Jeremy!

[Pat B]

Mine was done with tiger stripe tissue paper over the rawhide.