Varnish, urethane, laquer, ARGHH!

[J. Holden]

I've got some snake skins on the way that I'm planning on applying to my take-down recurve.  While I'm in the process of applying the skins I'd like to re-finish the back and sides of the limbs as well.  I've tried to figure out the difference between finishes and don't know which direction to go.  I'm looking for waterproof, I know that for sure.  I'd also like to get a soft satin finish.  Can someone please clarify for me?  Thanks so much.

-Jeremy

[walkabout]

most likely your best bet would be a polyurethane, although i believe some have used tru-oil with a spray of satin poly over it to knock off the shine.as for the snakeskins, either the tru-oil or poly will work, its just a matter of preference. i personally use tung oil over skins, its application and result is similar to tru-oil.

[Jason/Woody]

None of those will be completely waterproof.  You might need to go to some sort of finish epoxy to get total waterproofing.  I do agree that poly would likely be your best bet of the ones listed.  Also, as mentioned, you can do any type of finish you want and just top it with the shine you want.  The different shines on poly are from solids suspended in the finish, gloss being the least solids.  The only finish you will see is the top one if you put satin over glossy because of the solids that are in it.

[J. Holden]

As always, thanks for the input guys.  When the project is complete I'll be sure to show it off!

-Jeremy