glass bow finishes?Thunderbird?

[scottm]

I know this topic has ben beat to death.Ive read and read in the past threads to get answers.But im considering ordering some thunderbird finish.I like the flat look (i think).Ive seen some bows with a nice flat allmost soft look to the finish.Im thinking thats the flat.Or is  satin im not sure because i never asked what the bowyer used?Ive read that the gloss is tuffer but im not a fan of its sheen.Ive ben using tru oil with spar urathane on top.Im looking for a tuffer flat finish,and if it would stick to woods like bocote with out a sealer would also be a plus.Any suggestions?Thanks for your time scott

[BigJim]

I both use and sell epoxy finish. The original mfg of the epoxy known as Tbird sold their recipe and the new mfg is much better (cleaner & more consistant). This is the product that I sell and I find it to be incredibly tough. The more dulling agent you put in it (like any other finish) the less scratch resistant it becomes.

We like to use the flat with a little gloss mixed in it. Also, if you spray your bows with just flat, by the time you get to three coats, it will be very milky looking.
 It is a must to put all but the last one or two coats on in gloss for a good looking bow. It also works well for filling pores.
good luck, bigjim

[scottm]

thanks Jim!

[Jim Rocole]

Go with what Jim tells ya. I use the Tbird and have had good results applying it like Jim suggests. I am going to try JIm's finish after I finish this batch of Tbird. I spray mine if that matters.

[David Flanrey]

Scott,
I just started using Thunderbird.  I love it.  I put two coats of gloss and one coat of satin.  I spray mine.  I finished 4 bows with it this summer.
David

[scottm]

thanks guys!Its a shame you cant buy a flattener addative for the gloss insted of buying both gloss and flat.Ive sprayed quiet a bit of automotive clear and i believe you can buy the flattener seperate for colors like hot rod black,and other satin colors used on motorcycle tanks.Im just thinking of the shelf life of having to keep both on the shelf.Thanks Scott

[BigJim]

Buy pint kits of the flat. I have tried the dulling agent and it is very difficult to get it to disolve. Always end up with white flakes on the bow.
I spray mine too and it lasts quite a while. I estimate that it takes only about 2 oz. to put four coats on a bow with a spray gun.

I typically spray no more than two coats on a bow in a day.
I spray the first two coats of gloss and let dry overnight. The next day I sand bows mostly to reduce finish around pores and then write on them. Second day I spray one gloss and then one flat/gloss mix. I can normally get a coat or two on tips the second day also. It blends very well and easy to touch up if you need to sand a little after final coat.
Thanks, bigjim

[scottm]

Thanks again Jim!I appriciate the info.Ive seen your finish on your bows and its first rate!Scott

[md126]

jim,   what grit # do you sand w/ between coats??

also,  can you wipe the finish on or do you need a spray gun/compressor?

thanks,  mike

[BigJim]

You can wipe the finish (or paint it on). If painting it on, you may need to use a coarser grit like 220 to smooth out, but I can't say that for sure as I have never wiped/painted and have always sprayed.

You can use 220 at any time, but we really only sand to facilitate pore filling and to remove any runs. We use 320 dry (wet sand if needing to sand while slightly soft) and follow up with a grey scotch bright pad afterward. If you have a perfect finish and it has been over 10 hours since the last coat, I would suggest just scuffing it with a grey scotch brite pad. Buffalo hide aka epoxy finish aka Tbird requires very little ruffing up in order to adhere properly.
good luck, bigjim

[md126]

thanks!!      

[USAFdad]

Finished my 1st bow last Febuary and used tru-oil covered with spar urethane. Question is can I put buffalo hide/tbird over the spar urethane?

Building two more right now for the boys Christmas presents. Want a tougher finish for those 2 to start with. I'll refinish mine later.

[Dmaxshawn]

Originally posted by USAFdad:
Finished my 1st bow last Febuary and used tru-oil covered with spar urethane. Question is can I put buffalo hide/tbird over the spar urethane?

Building two more right now for the boys Christmas presents. Want a tougher finish for those 2 to start with. I'll refinish mine later.

Nope you cant it will cause a reaction and bubble.  Dont ask me how I know this.  Sand off all the old finish and reshoot with Buff hide.  

Shawn

[USAFdad]

Thanks for the info, since sanding is my least favorite part of bow building I'll probably just leave the spar on mine.