Backing and finishing osage

[wolfshadow]

I'm thinking about painting some designs on my osage bow back, then backing it with linen.
How many layers of linen is used? What are some options for the adhesive? do I need to sand the back to get off the layer of white glue that is now sealing it - or leave it on to paint on? Finally, how to seal it? Several coats of polyurathane? Trueoil?  This is my first osage bow, named it "Dogleg" which you will understand when I post a picture. Thanks for your help!

[Pat B]

If it is a stave bow you shouldn't need a backing unless you have violated the back ring. Osage is very strong in tension so no backing should be needed.
  You can paint a design directly on the back with craft paint from WalMart. Any good bow finish will work well. I prefer Tru-Oil but others use poly with good results.
  If you do just want to back your bow with linen TBIII(any carpenters glue will work) is a good glue to use.

[wolfshadow]

Thanks, Pat B.
When you say craft paint, is acrylic paint OK or should it be a oil based.  And the wood glue on on the back that I sealed it with, should I just lightly sand it off.  Don't want to go too deep and violate the ring.

[John Scifres]

I would scrape the sealing layer off unless you are going to back it and use the same glue.

I would put linen on and then paint.  Acrylics are fine.  I use Minwax spray polyurethane for a finish.  Use gloss for 5-6 coats and then let it cure for 3 days and then shoot 2 coats of satin.  Don't spray if it is cold or humid.

[Pat B]

Like John, I'd lightly scrape the glue off the back first. The craft paint at WalMart is accrylic and comes in many colors. I've used it on bare wood, rawhide backings and cloth backings.