"Q" on “What to use and tips on finishing bows”

[edy5dms]

Hi Guys,
Another Question 
I would like to know what are the products used for finishing bows.  I've read people using tung oil and also Polyurethane based products and so on. So what’s good to use and how to use them.
Also I have read about using superglue to use to seal certain exotic wood type which are oily to obtain equal drying along with the rest of the wood lams, what are ur comments on this.

Also should not the materials used as finishing be a flexible type just like the glue used.

Please elaborate on the finishing process if possible.

Thanks in advance for all replies..

[Apex Predator]

I have used quite a number of different finishes, and have settled on Fullerplast catylized varnish.  In the spray can, I have had the best success with Minwax Lacquer.  I have also had good luck with Tru-oil as a wipe-on finish.  If using Tru-oil, oily woods must first be sealed with CA (super glue).

[elkslayer]

I use tru oil and I have never sealed with super glue and also never had a problem. I put on 6 coats and they seem to weather great. Tried others and the tru oil works the best.

[Pat B]

I've used Tru-Oil for years. It is the best IMO finish for self and wood bows. I have used it on arrows also. 6 coats with a buffing with 0000 steel wool between coats. If you don't like the shiny finish you can put down a quick spray of satin poly over the Tru-Oil and that will cut the shine.
   I have hunted all types of weather and Tru-Oil has always come through for me. That's what I used on my shotguns for duck hunting. Figured if it was good enough for cold, wet, salty air it would be good for my bows too.    Pat

[Dano]

I have had to degrease some woods like cocobolo and bocote with acetone,even then it took longer to dry with Tru-oil, I like to use a thinned shellach for a sealer.

[Bjorn]

I have tried many others and like Tru-Oil for all my finishing-it isn't perfect; but it is a darn good compromise.
Generally apply about 8 coats and steel wool between the last two, unless I screw up.
I have found out that John Strunk and Jay St. Charles use Tru-Oil and that's good enough for me.
  :cool:

[edy5dms]

Thanks a lot for ur replies guys but I would like to re-question about the flexibility factor of the finish u use, just like the glue doesn’t it need to be flexible.

[edy5dms]

Originally posted by Apex Predator:
I have used quite a number of different finishes, and have settled on Fullerplast catylized varnish.  In the spray can, I have had the best success with Minwax Lacquer.  I have also had good luck with Tru-oil as a wipe-on finish.  If using Tru-oil, oily woods must first be sealed with CA (super glue).

Thanks a lot for ur reply but I would like to re-question about the flexibility factor of the finish u use, just like the glue doesn’t it need to be flexible.

[edy5dms]

Originally posted by Pat B:
I've used Tru-Oil for years. It is the best IMO finish for self and wood bows. I have used it on arrows also. 6 coats with a buffing with 0000 steel wool between coats. If you don't like the shiny finish you can put down a quick spray of satin poly over the Tru-Oil and that will cut the shine.
   I have hunted all types of weather and Tru-Oil has always come through for me. That's what I used on my shotguns for duck hunting. Figured if it was good enough for cold, wet, salty air it would be good for my bows too.    Pat

Thanks a lot for ur reply but I would like to re-question about the flexibility factor of the finish u use, just like the glue doesn’t it need to be flexible.

[Bjorn]

edy5dms: you need to try Tru-Oil for yourself-you won't be dissappointed in the flexibility department.

[Pat B]

Tru-Oil never gets hard and brittle. It stays flexible. I have never had a Tru-Oil finish crack for any reason. If you scuff it up, a light sanding and a quick reapply of Tru-Oil will look and be as good as new, too!     Pat

[The Gopher]

You should give a product called Arm-R-Seal a try, the company that makes it is called General Finishes, it is an oil and urethane finish. you can either wipe it on or brush it on. it is a realy thin finish so it flows very nicley and as long as you don't use too much it is really hard to get drip marks, atc. it dries smooth and perfect. i just finished a self bow with it and i am very happy with the finish, dan.

[George Tsoukalas]

The best 2 products I've found are deck stain and spar polyurethane over the stain of your choice. My bows are selfbows I want a finish that won't raise the grain in a downpour. When i feel the urge to go natural I'll use grease as a finish. Heated in with a dryer or heat gun it makes a very waterproof finish. In fact, my "in hand" arrow for this year's season is about to get a deer fat finish. Jawge

[George Tsoukalas]

I just reread your post, edy5dms, and note that it was asked for lam bows. Not my area. I was speaking about selfbows. Jawge

[edy5dms]

Thanks Bjorn and pat and others on recommending Tru-Oil looks like good stuff and what I’m looking for. Also many thanks to The Gopher for the suggestion of Arm-R-Seal sound pretty good. Have any1 else used this? What are ur comments on it?

Thanks anyways george

[JEFF B]

i used tru oil to finish my bow and it works great.

[elkslayer]

TRU OIL!!!!!!!!!