high gloss to a duller finish - how to?

[RUTANDSTRUT]

just got a great blacktail on a trade in a high gloss finish.  was going to send it back to norm to get it refinished in a "hunting" finish but kind don't want to wait right now.  is there any type of clear spray i could do myself to dull the finish but still let the woods show through?

[elkhunter45]

I just rub mine with steel wool or an ultra fine scotch-brite to get a burnished satin finish. I have done several this way with no problem.

[Dan Landis]

A lot  of guys use a semi gloss spray poly and just mist it from a distance.  I've never tried it myself, I usually rub mine out with paste wax and fine steel wool to cut the shine.  Hope this helps.  I'm sure others will be along who have used the spray poly that can give you better directions.....Dan

[Bjorn]

I have sprayed shiny risers and limbs with semi gloss from a rattle can. Make sure it is fairly waterproof and hold the can a couple of feet away to spray. Prep the surface with a light steel wool rub.
It works fine and you can still see the beauty of the wood as much as a dull surface will allow.

[MikeW]

Basically what everyone else has said, get some #000 to #0000 steel wool, dip in water and start buffing, then get some satin poly either in "wipe on" or spray.

[Pat B]

A quick shot of satin poly will dull it right out and doesn't detract from the bows appearance.

[heydeerman]

Wipe it down lightly with steel wool. If you want to bring it back to glossy just wax and buff it.

[JimB]

Get a stock rubbing compound from Brownells or Birchwood Casey has one.It's what they are made for.They are very easy to use and blend easily.No need for additional finishes that may possibly yellow.You already have a quality,well cured finish.

You can also bring it back to original by using finer grades of stock rubbing compounds.

[eflanders]

I might add that if you do plan to spray on a light satin finish coat, you would be best to prepare the surface by wiping down the existing finish with a good denatured alcohol and wiping everything with a clean dry tack free cloth. You will be amazed at the amount of residue that the clean rag will collect. Some will also use a very fine steel wool or scotch brite pad before cleaning with alcohol.  If you fail to prep/clean the surface, you will get some issues later down the road with the new finish sprayed on.

[MikeW]

I might add that if you do plan to spray on a light satin finish coat, you would be best to prepare the surface by wiping down the existing finish with a good denatured alcohol

Let me tell you something about denatured alcohol, it has oil in it. I work with fiber optics for a living and denatured alcohol is a huge no no because of the oil in it, you want 99.9 % alcohol.

You can special order it at your local pharmacy or get it at places that cater to fiber optic splicers.

I see this comment all the time and just shake my head and roll my eyes.

Edit: just use plan ole alcohol 70, 80 90% doesn't matter you just don't want to use denatured.

[eflanders]

Thanks Mike for the correction.  You are most certainly correct regarding the use of "denatured" alcohol.  I have also used Acetone in the past but it tends to be pretty harsh stuff and you need to be careful accordingly.

[MikeW]

Originally posted by eflanders:
Thanks Mike for the correction.  You are most certainly correct regarding the use of "denatured" alcohol.  I have also used Acetone in the past but it tends to be pretty harsh stuff and you need to be careful accordingly.

No problem guy I use to think the same thing til I was educated on it.