Wet weather bow protection?

[Raineman]

What do you all do to protect your bow finish from rain/snow/wet conditions?

I talked with reddogge and he suggested using multiple, unpolished layers of Johnson's Paste Wax. He said it also gives it a nice dull hunting finish and all you have to do to remove it is wipe on another fresh coat and polish. Does anyone else do this? Does the wax odor go away when dry? Does the odor come back when it gets wet?

Any thoughts on this or other methods you use to protect your finish?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I just Carnauba car wax on my selfbow (all wood) Haven't hunt down here in Texas with it yet, But up in jersey the deer didn't mind the smell… That is if they even smelled it.

[wapiti]

One word. Ballistol.

[bowrayme]

I make string wax from pitch, beeswax and olive oil. I give the bow a good coat and leave on during the hunt. This dulls the finish, smells woodsy and gives the bow a nice finish when its time to put her away and I wipe it down to a high polish. Its nice on the leather too...

[sweet old bill]

I use the Johnson wax and after the end of hunt season polish it off....I have a buddy who also use Johnson but he also said for years he used a good auto wax with the same results...

[ishoot4thrills]

Do I really need to put something on my wood/glass laminated bow to protect it from wet weather? Doesn't the bowyer have something on it already? I hope so, because I hunted in the rain a few weeks ago.   :eek:    :confused:

[Stone Knife]

I use Johnson's on my wood bows but put it on well before season because of the odor. Some pledge will work in a pinch, although most bows have a good enough finish to work with nothing else, I think it's just in my head most of the time.

[hickstick]

this is very interesting and timely.  I hunted in the rain a couple weeks ago with my new-to-me widow MA II, and noticed I could feel the grain rise in the grip part of the riser.   closer inspection showed the finish worn off most of the riser.  short of sending the bow off to be refinished in the middle of the season I began thinking about a wax based temporary solution for the next month and a half.  I had remembered the paste wax thing from my selfbow days but had never done it (nor do I have any).   guess I'll try it out.

[swampmaster]

i would consider wiping your bows down with rain-x.  just my thought

[hawkeye n pa]

After hunting in a good soaking rain I suggest taking a takedown apart wiping it off and let it air dry over night.  I have ruined a few limbs from water getting in the alignment holes and either "checkering" the wood or freezing and causing cracks.  Alot of times the alignment holes are void of finish inside.

I just had a Bear riser start showing swelling signs from in behind the medalion (?)  When I gently removed it the hole was full of water and the hole was drilled after the bow was finished or the medalion's post scraped off the finish when pressed in the hole.  This also goes for insert holes.  Quick drying nail polish is great for touching up nicks.

I'm looking for a good riser finish that is bug spray resistant.  My old can of spray lacquer is almost gone and the new stuff is not rated for outdoor use.

And yes I hunt in more rain than most.

[NorthernCaliforniaHunter]

The folks that make Sno-seal also make a spray on silicone product that I used for the leather grip on my bow and while I was at it sprayed the entire bow. Wiped the excess off and so far so good. Water beads off of it right away.

I like the wax idea, I'm still afraid of water getting behind the leather handle and onto the wood underneath. That would be BAD!

[far rider]

ttt

[Fishnhunt]

I use the green turtle car wax, let is sit for a few minutes and lightly wipe it off.  I usually put on 3 or so coats.  IMO, the smell dissapates quickly.

[Bullfrog 1]

Weird, I have had my bow wet many timesw and had no problem.   BILL

[Shakes.602]

Good Old "Johnsons Paste Wax" for Me!

[wapitimike1]

I use Montana pitch blend not much oder seals good.

[Whip]

A good bow finish should be fine without treatment, but a paste wax is good insurance to help protect the finish.
 
The biggest concern are any scratches or nicks that go through the finish.  That is where the water can penetrate to the wood and then you have problems, so touch those up with nail polish first.  

Also as has already been mentioned, takedown bows need to be taken apart and wiped down to keep water from getting into the limb bolt holes.  Shouldn't be a problem while you are hunting, but make sure to dry it out when you are done.