Helmsan Spar Urethane

[BWD]

When using helsman spar urethane do you apply a few/several light coats within the 1 1/2 hour time frame, as directed on the can, and let it go at that; or, do you apply a coat or two and wait 72 hours for it to fully cure, as also directed on the can, then steel wool/sand and recoat? Need to know how the pros. do it. Thanks.

[Dano]

I am no pro, But the finish process is my favorite part. When I used Spar Urethane, I would let it cure and sand in between coats, it takes a while to complete a bow this way. It was the same for epoxy finish, it takes two days for that stuff to cure before you can sand.

[ALW]

I do the same as Dano.  I usually put at least 6 coats on.  One coat, then re-spray within an hour.  Let dry and buff with OOOO steel wool.  And more coats.  But I also use mostly white wood and with the humidity in WV in the summer you need all the help you can get!

Aaron

[BWD]

Thank you very much. Don't mind it taking as long as it takes. It is the outcome that matters to me, and I just wanted to get it right. Yea, a little on the moist side down this way also.

Barry

[George Tsoukalas]

I follow the directions on the can though I've never had to wait 72 hours. Spar urethane is the only exterior finish I hear talked about for bows. It is worth the wait. Jawge

[BWD]

Mr. George, I agree, especially since I do not have access to a spray set up. I have used on  two bows, after applying five to six coats of tru-oil to the wooden parts, and have been pleased with both. The only down side I see is the fragrance kinda hangs around for a while.

[Robertfishes]

Barry,I live in North Central Florida and have high humidity too. I have used Spar on 3 bows in the last 5 weeks. I have a 8 x 10 room that I spray finish and glue bows in. I bought a used $35 dehumidifier just for bow building.  I turn the dehumidifier for more than an hour before I spray the first coat. I also pull in airconditioned air thru a set of filters when spraying. The dehumidifier makes the room warm and dry and I have it on a timer and leave it on for 6 hours after I spray. I spray on at least 5 coats with about 15 minutes between each one. I wait about 3 days then hit the bow with some 0000 steel wool Have not had any problems with the finish, but on the next one I'm gonna use Spar Gloss then after 3 days use the steel wool and spray it with several coats of Spar Satin.

[shamus]

All I use are the can and the spray Minwax Helmsman spar urethane (satin and gloss).  The spray dries faster and you can usually put on another coat after 2 hours or so. If applying   by hand out of the can, I let each coat dry four hours. Drying time depends on RH and temperature.

I sand as needed. Some coats need and others do not. I use 400 and 600 grit paper.

[ghost rob]

How about when refinishing a glass backed bow?

[BWD]

Yea Robertfishes, I have been giving some thought to starting out with gloss and finishing up with satin this time. I have read gloss is a harder finish. Could be the gloss might be all binder; whereas, the satin has to contain some type of pigment or it wouldn't be satin. Don't have a clue, but sounds good anyway.

[kennym]

Wonder if gloss would work better on oily wood for sealer,might not have to superglue first?

[shamus]

How about when refinishing a glass backed bow?

I've used it on several vintage bows and it works works fine on those.

   

[Tom Leemans]

I sprayed it on a bow at MOJam (one of the hot years)and it was ready to sand in a half hour.
  :eek:  I'm not sayin' I'm just sayin'.

[shamus]

Tom, sounds about right for spray urethane. It dries fast  in hot and/or dry weather.