Restoring old recurve

[Big Bird]

I'am going to use true oil.do I sand it all the way down.or use a stripper on it.also what kind of pen do you use for lettering.

[Johnny Reb]

I'm not a builder ( yet ) but I restored one a couple years ago, as far as sandin go's  I took it down just enuff to get the old finish removed and then didnt sand it aggresively, I was afraid I mite damage somthin.
   I finished it with a satin polyurethane ( about 3 coats)  it turned out purty good to me, the wood grain shows up good and the finish aint real glossy, just enuff to look good but not enuff to make it flashy.

[Igor]

I had done several bows and I use an razor blade held at 90 degrees to scrape off the finish and then sand lightly starting with 220 through 600. I use a super glue finish and steel wool to fill the pores then 3-5 coats of Satin poly urethane minwax spray finish. Makes for a pretty durable finish and looks good if you take your time on the prep.

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[Igor]

Sorry, didn't answer your questions.

I used a sharpee after the super glue and before the spray finish.

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[Big Bird]

How do you apply the super glue. and thanks everyone for the help.Rick

[Igor]

With my finger and polish it with 0000 steel wool once I've filled the pores. I've also used tru-oil with good results...same application using very thin coats. The super glue is fast drying and is a very hard finish.

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[rainman]

If using Super glue make sure you put it on in one direction only.  Acetone is a release agent for super glue and you should keep it handy.

Dan