Refinishing an old friend - suggestions?

[Rando]

Hey all,
I've got an older Bighorn take-down (my first traditional bow) that's seen alot of miles, sunrises, & sunsets with me... it's starting to show 'em a bit. I'd like to refinish it & spruce it up before the next hunting season, I may add some snakeskins to the limbs as well. Here are some quick questions for those who've done it themselves:
Do I have to totally remove (sand down to the wood & glass) the old finish?
What's my best option for a new / durable finish, probably brush on or spray can as I don't have a compressor & spray gun?
Best adhesive if I do go with snakeskins?
Any other tips or suggestions are much appreciated!!
Rando

[LAR43]

Based on personal experience, in the order asked:
1 No, just sand it to the point where the finish
  is sufficiently roughed up to give the new
  finish some 'tooth' to grip on.
 
2 Helmsman polyurethane by Minwax (Spray  
  cans,comes in gloss satin or flat).

3 Titebond II has helped me attach many skins to
  various bows. Again, make sure the surface is
  roughed enough to insure good adhesion.

There are many ways to do this, & I'm sure there'll be plenty more responses in time, but this will get you to where you want to be w/ that old friend.

Larry

[Rando]

Larry - thanks much, great info!!
Hoping to get to this project soon, before the snow goes.
Rando

[LAR43]

 

Larry

[Orion]

I echo everything Lar43 says.  That's exactly the procedure and product I use.  Deft varathane is also a good finish.  I usually spray on three-4 light coats of finish.  If you want to give the finish the "spottled" look it had when new, take a pin and enlarge the hole in the spray cap for the last coat.  The spray will come out in gobs.  Have to keep the can moving, and avoid overspraying at this point.  Practice a little on something else first.  Good luck.

[NY Yankee]

I think you should put on the snake skins after the sanding and before the spraying. I'd really like to see some pics as I am a Bighorn guy too.