How to apply polyurethane spray finish?

[DelawareDave]

How do you go about applying a spray finish to a bow?  do you put it flat on triangle blocks spray one side, let it dry, and then flip and spray the other?  or do you hand it from the nock and spray it then just touch up the nock after it drys??? or any other way you go about it would be greatly appreciated  

[GREG IN MALAD]

I hang them from the nocks with one hanger on each limb. After spraying the top limb I flip it over and spray the other.

 

[John Scifres]

I hold it by the handle and spray it all, usually getting at least my index finger and thumb fully coated.  Then I turn the lid from the spray can upside down and let it sit on there and spray the handle on each side. Let it sit for 10-30 minutes and recoat.  I do this 4-6 times.  

Humidity is the killer for spray coating.  If it's over 70%, it will be a cloudy finish.  Low temps are bad too.  If temps are less than 50, it will be a cloudy finish.

Let it cure for at least 3 days.  A week is better.  Don't spray finish upwind of your wife's minivan.

[Windsurfer]

The Fred Bear DVD Collection, Rural Route One shows the complete process of making a Kodiak Magnum.  The factory applied finish with the bow in a hanger like your picture.  The movie did not show any touch up to the tip or grooves where the hanger was.  

I have been using Tru Oil, a gun stock finish (linseed oil and varnish mixture) to refinish a couple of bows.  It really provides a beautiful finish but takes many applications to achieve.  Usually around 12 coats applied with a soft white cotton cloth.  The more coats you apply the deeper the luster and stronger the surface.  Nice thing is that it drys quickly so you can apply more than one coat in a day.  Buff in between coats with very fine sand paper or 000 steel wool.  If you use steel go lightly and be sure to wipe and sand any fin steel filings off before the next coat.  Can't say how this finish holds up in the woods but it produces a showroom original looking finish.

[GREG IN MALAD]

If you use a small enough wire you dont have to touch up the grooves. The finish will spray around and behind the wire and not even leave a mark.