how to paper back?

[GEF72]

I am new to bow building and would like to use brown craft paper for a baking on bows its like a gocery bag in a roll I am working on currently.  I have had a few break in tillering that were not backed. Could someone that has done this please explain the process so i do not mess it up.  Can you pre camo the paper before puting it on?

Thank You,
Glenn

[shamus]

Personally, I don't trust paper as a backing. I've read that paper can work. but it's failed on me.

rawhide is better.

[walkabout]

i just trace he bow shape onto the paper then cut it out full length, giving myself roughly 1/4" on each side to work with. i lay the bow, back up on my bench then lay the paper on top, getting it lined up roughly. i lay a combination square in the middle of the bow for weight to hold the paper at center and i lift the paper and lay some glue down a section about 6 inches long, then spread it with my finger i then lay down the paper as flat and straight as i can and repeat down the whole limb. after the whole limb is done i use a paint roller to press down the paper without stretching and wrinkling it, then i work the bubbles out toward the sides gently. repeat for the other limb from where you started and let it dry for at least an hour or so before you lightly rasp the excess off the edges. i use titebond 3 for this by the way. its simple really and does work, my first bow was a paper backing and its still going strong. you can camo it after, to help seal the paper after its glued on and before your choice of finish/clear. hope this helps and good luck.

[GEF72]

Thank you for the information.  I probably due not need to back this bow I am over building it a little bit.  But I understand the concerns.  Thanks for the really good instructions  on how to do the paper backing.

[walkabout]

no problem, glad to help. personally i like paper backings better than buralp. more work in cleaning up the edges with burlap and every bow ive used burlap on has developed cracks. not sure if its just me but it seems too strange a coincidence. with backings the idea is to help insure bad grain doesnt fail. even overbuilt bows are prone to splinters lifting and cracks at the grain runoffs. good luck though, let us know how it turns out.