Bow cleaning?

[goldflinger]

Howdy Guys and Gals, I am new to this site and just getting back into traditional archery after a long absense. Suppose I get some old recurves delivered that were purchased of that auction site. What steps should I take just to generally clean them up and recondition them. Suggestions on how to clean, or what to use would be appreciated. How long should I leave the bow strung before I attempt to shoot. Any other suggestions that you folks do before shooting a used (new to you) bow would be appreciated.

[C Kerley]

I just went through this for the first time myself this past week.  Look on here and find the thread "another one for you old Bear guys" (or something similar to that).  

I have pictures on there of what my efforts did on three bows I received free.  First off I washed them all in dish detergent to get the 40 years of dust and grime off.  The Tamerlane I took a tube of the white toothpaste (not gel) and polished it with damp T-shirts.  The Grizzly I used fingernail polish remover (acetone) to get the paint off it, then used toothpaste, and finally car wax to put a shine on it.  

I wish I would of taken pictures of that Tamerlane before I started, you would never believe it was the same bow, and that toothpaste would do that.  But I do have before/after pictures of the Grizzly, and I am still working on the Kodiak Mag (I had holes to fill on it).    

I did learn to use the toothpaste just like I would personally use it.  Put it on with a damp rag and the bow being visibly wet.  I just polished it like I would a car and then rinsed the toothpaste off.  I did not put it on the riser wood of the Grizzly, I could feel the wood grain with my thumbnail and I was afraid it would get into the wood grain cracks.  I used 0000 steel wool on that part and it cleaned it up nicely.    

I have sanded the K-Mag down completely with 150 sandpaper, but very lightly over the writing on it.  I bought Minwax wipe-on poly gloss per what I've read on here, but I haven't made it that far with it yet.  And I can't answer how long to leave one strung up beforehand, my own cautious nature is to usually leave it a day or so before I put my face up there and give it a release!

I have found that this is fun stuff, and my wallet is afraid it won't be the last time I do it.

[goldflinger]

thank you very nuch for the response

[Horney Toad]

I generally wipe the bow down with charcoal lighter fluid to clean the gunk off of em and then use a good auto paste wax to shine em up.

[portugeejn]

I've had good success using Flitz metal polish.  It leaves a protective coating that is supposed to last up to 6 months.  I would just use some auto paste wax as others have suggested if you wanted more lasting protection.

RonP

[4406v]

I use fill-n-glaze (pink) from 3-m or thier Imperial hand glaze both products work well and leave a great shine afterwards.I have also used boat wax with good results.
   Some of the people I have seen at the swap meets use Bon-Ami with a little water and this also seems to work well.(HASN'T SCRATCHED YET,NEVER WILL)

[PAPALAPIN]

ACETONE WILL USUALLY REMOVE PAINT AND NOT HARM THE ORIGINAL FINISH.

I also use acetone to clean arrow shafts before fletching.  It dries with no residue for good glue bonding.


Before I pull an old bow, I leave it strung overnight.  Then I pull it half way, rhen 3/4. then full draw. paying attention to any strange sounds.   Then I shoot an extra heavy arrow.  Never shoot an arrow that is too light, or dry fire the bow (no arrow).

[goldflinger]

thanks for all your responses guys!

[wadde]

To clean an overall dirty bow with tape residue, minor stains and paint flecks I use comet kitchen cleanser. Simply put some comet in a small container and add water. Mix it up and dip a rag. It will clean up a bow nicely without damaging the original finish. You need a second rag that is wet and clean to wipe off the residue as you go. A coat of good paste wax after and the results are quite nice. Only comet yields good results others like Ajax do not work as well. You will be surprised at what you can remove with this technique.

[d. ward]

I use bowdoc's custom mixed bow cleaner polish and protecter.Clean shine and protects,and will not harm any bows finish.Protects your bows finish for up to one year.Great stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! bd

[curtinmo]

In the furniture business we use mineral spirits to clean stickey residue without harming finish.