Is Minwax spray lacquer OK for bows?

[Zradix]

Anyone use Minwax spray lacquer for bows?

I'm pretty sure I'll be receiving a partially finished custom bow. The bowyer has said he uses minwax spray lacquer in the black can for sealing his bows. I guess everything but the grip area has a very light coat of this lacquer on it.

I'll be needing to finish forming the grip and seal that area.

So my real questions are...
#1 Is this lacquer any good for sealing bows in the first place?

#2 Is there something better to use that would adhere to the existing coats of lacquer?

Thanks a lot!!!

[4est trekker]

I love lacquer for sealing and building a finish coat.  I've even used it as a final frost coat topped with several applications of Birchwood-Casey's Gunstock Wax for moisture repellency, especially on the grip.  Here's a link to the most recent bow I posted.  I describe the finishing process in the thread, including using lacquer to seal it.

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=003874

Further, lacquer is the PERFECT finish for applying to both hard to cover surfaces as well as resurfacing and touching up previous lacquer finishes.  Lacquer can be touched up seamlessly because it's what's known as a hot solvent-based or "hot finish."  It doesn't simply top-coat the existing lacquer finish, but rather "melts" it and blends in.  

Spray lacquer is cheap, easy to apply, covers well, touches up well, and is good looking.  Best of luck with it!

[Zradix]

Very pretty bow!

Does the lacquer hold up in moisture?

I read you finished up with a few coats of spar urethane. Is this a "must do" for a hunting bow that will see rain and snow?

Thanks a heck of a lot!!  

[4est trekker]

Lacquer won't hold up quite like an exterior-grade finish (i.e. spar varnish, urethane, epoxy,etc.) However, I like to dink with my bows all the time, so the following is appealing to me:

I finish the bow with lacquer, including a few frost coats. (Sometimes I seal it with thin superglue. This adds a degree of moisture protection, but is a touch tricky to apply smoothly and the fumes can be horrendous on your eyes!) Then I apply some sort of wax finish (Birchwood-Casey's Gunstock Wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, mink oil, etc.) to add a water repellent barrier. I reapply as needed, especially before and after humid or wet conditions.

No finish is completely waterproof. Epoxies are the best, but they're expensive and sometimes nasty to apply. Storing your bow in a controlled environment and touching up the barrier coat is just as effective. Plus, I think it's a little more fun. It'll give you something to do around the campfire    

[Zradix]

Thanks for the info.
It is very much appreciated!
Does sound sorta zen like.
Like rubbing in a little mojo

[Apex Predator]

I finished several of my early ones with that exact product.  Never had a problem, and I have hunted in some real downpours.  Over time it will probably prove not as durable.

[Zradix]

Thank you all for the info!

[R.W.]

If you do the super glue sealant/finish bit, be SURE to use good ventilation, and WEAR GLOVES.

You can develop a severe sensitivity to the fumes and/or contact with, cyanoacrylate glues.

Most people never have a problem, but why risk your health?