Krystal Mania!

[cunruhshoot]

This has been a really good week as I have conquered a final hurdle in my bow making adventure/addiction. The FINISH...I have been having such a difficult time getting what I desired in a final satin finish on my bows.

I had been using a wipe on poly and though no one was complaining it just was not the professional look I was after.

Well my new best friend is the Krystal spray on finish. It is finally the look and finish that I have been longing for! In fact I went a little crazy and went back and spayed all my existing bows all the way back to my very first bow build.

Thanks for all those who have giving input into this part of my bow building. It feels good to share a success story for once!

Also thanks BigJim for supplying the insight and product...      

[Bowjunkie]

Congratulations. Every good bow should wear a good finish.

I left my earlier bows just how I made them, finish and all. That way I can look back and see how I've progressed.

[Crooked Stic]

Krystal is pretty much a no brainer to spray and seems to let the wood grain really pop. Not the most durable but a good finish.

[canopyboy]

I started using Krystal based on some posts from Big Jim as well. I keep meaning to go back and re-do some of my older bows like Cameron.

I'm not sure what you mean by "not the most durable" Mike. I admit that technically there are some like Thunderbird/Buffalo Hide that might be a bit tougher, but a statement like that makes it sound like you're sacrificing durability for ease of application. I think the Krystal is at the top of the durability list for sure. It's held up better than anything I've used or others have used on bows I've bought or received. (And I'm tough on bows.) After starting to use it on bows, I was talking to my dad who owns a cabinet shop and his painter has been using the stuff for bar tops at wineries, etc. with great success and longevity.

[cunruhshoot]

Mike - no brainer seems to work well for me. LOL However I still have some Buffalo Hide Gloss and Satin and I have plans to continue to see if I can work out a nice finish with it. I was just struggling with getting it to lay down clean.

I am thinking it may have something to do with my sprayer set up. I do not have a filter in line on my sprayer, maybe that had some impact. I have not had much experience with a sprayer and I did not purchase high end equipment.

But at least for now I am thrilled with the results I am getting with the Krystal!

[Robertfishes]

I live in a high humidity area..I installed 2 good sized "speedaire" moisture filters. I also put a oil filter on line even though I have an oil less compressor..

[Mad Max]

Originally posted by cunruhshoot:
Mike - no brainer seems to work well for me. LOL However I still have some Buffalo Hide Gloss and Satin and I have plans to continue to see if I can work out a nice finish with it. I was just struggling with getting it to lay down clean.

I am thinking it may have something to do with my sprayer set up. I do not have a filter in line on my sprayer, maybe that had some impact. I have not had much experience with a sprayer and I did not purchase high end equipment.

But at least for now I am thrilled with the results I am getting with the Krystal!

I sprayed buffalo hide the other day and it would not lay down flat. Then I sanded it smooth.

I Mixed more up and used at least 1/3 thinner (and needs more) and it was much better


I have painted tons of ornamental Iron with black  if it orange peels , it needs more thinner

[cunruhshoot]

Thanks Mark - I am going to do some test spraying this weekend and see if I can come up with a mixture that works well for me.

I don't want the buffalo hide to just sit on the shelf - I know it is a quality product I just have to get educated.

[Mad Max]

mine sat on the shelf too

Let me know how much thinner you come up with.

I will too