Finishing questions and paper backing

[twospots]

First, I made a mistake with the paper backing on the bow I'm working on right now. What would be the best way to fix it? Sand the paper thin and glue on another backing? Or should i remove it all including glue down to the bare wood again? (please say no to that...)

Also, as far as paper backing, I sanded and stained the first one i ever did, but it looks a little "fuzzy" I can't remember what grade sandpaper i used but i was wondering if there is a trick to finishing the backing? I guess I could sand it after the finish is applied and smooth it out between coats i just didnt think too much about the backing on the first few bows i made as they not made for other people. Making a gift for someone and wanted to make it "perfect looking". (I have never sanded so much in my life)...

As far as finishing, I was using 120, 240, and 400 grit, then planned on sealing. I neesed around with some 0000 steel wool the other day and found it gives a super glassy finish, but I think I remember in High School shop, stain didnt take well after getting the finish that glassy with steel wool?? Maybe i'm wrong and I could try it on a test piece but thought you guys would know.  
And finally, as far as sealing over a stain?? i know polly is fine, I just wanted to verify what is good to use over stained wood? I would assume tru oil is fine as I have rarely seen any unstained gunstocks, but Just double checking before i purchase any...

BTW- For my own next bow I might end up using the steel wool and making the wood super glassy and just sealing it natural. It looks fantastic as it is when you get it that smooth...

[Pat B]

What was your mistake when you backed the bow with paper?  What kind of paper did you use?
  When I use paper or cloth for backing I make sure the glue totally permiated the backing material so it becomes a matrix of the two components. In doing this I can sane it without it becoming "fuzzy".

[twospots]

Thats my isue I made a hole in the paper almost dead center on the riser. the glue and paper will hold stain differently so i figure to make it look right I need to remove it or add another layer of paper.
when i back with paper I add glue to the bow and wet the paper then lay it on and squeegee it basically to make sure its smooth and no air bubbles. Thats when i got the hole on this one. Didnt really notice how bad it looked till it was dry.

[DavidV]

I made that mistake on my first bow. You need to completely saturate the paper with glue then paint the back as it won't take a stain. (Unless you like banana yellow backings)

[twospots]

Well, I solved that problem. I sanded thin the paper on the bow, added a saturation layer of glue (thin) and added an additional layer of paper over that. it may add some weight but the bow will be much less likely to break ever, and if it slows it a little thats ok, its for a 12 year old. But now I can stain the paper and make it look decent which was what i was really worried about in the first place. I probably should not have backed the bow, the grain is excellent, but it really worries me with a kid that i will not be supervising personally. So I backed it.

I guess it's trial and error for the steel wool question. I just thought someone would know.

[Pat B]

Craft paint from WalMart works great with glue/paper backing and it comes in lots of colors.

[twospots]

If acrylic paint is ok, I'll probably use that on the next two kids bows I make for the boys. This one is for a friends daughter...