Copperhead over Red Elm?

[Tater John]

What can I use, if anything, to lighten Red Elm so I can overlay them with copperhead skins? Anneal dye, maybe, like yellow? My understanding is copperhead is thinner and the dark color will wash out the Copperhead. I can't afford to ruin these skins. Any good ideas?

Rusty

[Pat B]

I never use anything on wood bows except glue when adding skins. I put skins(including copperheads) on many different woods.

[Tater John]

Hey Pat how are ya'?

The bow is glassed over veneers.
Robertson Peregrine.
I wouldn't actually be lightening the Red Elm I didn't make that clear enough originally.
I wondered if there was a finish material someone knew of or can recommend that can be applied over the glass to highlight the background the skins are applied over

Rusty

[Bigstick]

Try spraying a coat of whited or silver paint covered by a couple coats of clear.  They do his a lot when painting model cars, etc. This really brings out the finish color.

Mike

[timbuckII]

Question on the skins: Where did you get them? I have been looking for a couple for 2 years. Had plenty back in Va but have not been able to find any here in Oh. Does someone sell them?

 Thanks,TBKII

[Pat B]

Copperhead skins are hard to come by...at least in limb backing size. I kill 2 or 3 each year but they are only big enough for hat bands.

[Tater John]

Copperheads in good usable size are tough to get sometimes. I picked up a matched set, tougher still. Check with Mike @ Pine Hollow (sponsor)

Thanks bigstick mike I'll look into it

Rustyt

[Pat B]

Doing good Rusty. and you?

[Roy Steele]

My favoret snake skins.Have put them on lots of bows.With any white wood glue.

[lonstand]

I ordered a Morrison bow few years ago with copperheads. Very nice. Maybe call Bob for some advice.