Spray finish technique

[nmiller08]

I’m wondering if anyone has a handy way to do a full coat of spray finish on a bow without touching a still-sticky finished area.  This is my first refinish, so I wasn’t sure if I was missing something obvious.  Did a search but all I came across were discussions of different finishes, whether to spray vs wipe on etc.

Using some spar varnish that requires 24 hours between coats, so it would be nice to do the whole bow each time instead of doing half the first day and half the next.  I thought of hanging it from the string nock but the you wouldn’t get finish in the nock grooves?  Thanks for any advice!

[monterey]

I have been drilling a small hole through the tip beyond the nock groove and inserting a stiff wire in it to hang it.

When you are done the hole becomes a point to attach a ostring keeper.  So, here's your line;  "Yup, that there is for yer string keeper".   

[nmiller08]

   thanks for the idea!

[Bowjunkie]

I use a piece of wire, and loop it/twist it around the string groove at the tip. The finish usually gets all around and under the wire, doing an adequate job, but about halfway through the process I hang it by the other tip just make sure they're both covered well.

[nmiller08]

Thanks, have you noticed whether using a thick or thin wire makes any difference?  seems the thinner the better to let the finish maybe seep underneath?

[Jerry Gille]

This may not help you if you are not wrapping the handle but I only build longbows with leather wrapped handles.  I just hold the bow with a couple fingers by the handle as I am spraying tbird on it.  I then set it on the tbird thinner can by the handle to dry.  I glue leather over the smudged spots that have been touched in the handle anyway.  This obviously won't work if you're not wrapping the handle.

[Flem]

The hole in the tip is a great idea You could fill the hole with epoxy or finish, if you did not need a string keeper. Wonder if you could insert some type of elastomer in the hole, as a damper. I have been using a hog ring lightly crimped in the nock groove, hanging from rigid wire. It drives me nuts, when spraying something and it starts spinning.

[Bvas]

I’ve always used fishing line in the string grooves. Started tying the bottom down as well to stop the dreaded spin. Still get a little rocking, but no spin.

I think it was Roy that had the technique I’m gonna try on the next one.

He has a stand that you use a small wood screw in the riser where your strike plate would be.

Maybe the old codger will come along and post a pic

[Roy from Pa]

Yup I have a stand, but I use a small hose clamp to secure the bow at the center of the grip area, not a wood screw.

This is only if you are going to put a leather grip on the 4" handle area.

I can flip the bow 180 degrees from back to belly when I spray it.

[skeaterbait]

Dog gone it Roy, that is slick. I guess that PBR hasn't taken full hold on you after all.

[nmiller08]

That is slick!  For the upright position is there a locking pin from the back or do you just balance it up there?

Ended up going the hanging route, 2 coats from one tip, now doing 2 coats while hanging from the other tip, then I plan to do the final 2 the slow way by doing 1/2 the bow at a time to get a clean final spray. 

will post pics when it's done

[Roy from Pa]

No locking pin. The bolt through the wood is pretty snug. It will stay wherever I place it, but easy to move..

[hunting badger]

Great idea Roy!! Thanks!!