Howard Hill bow finish question...

[Looper]

I'll direct this question to Craig at Howard Hill Archery, but thought I'd get some input from you fellows here, as well.  I took a Hill Cheetah on a hog hunt this past weekend. I ended up hunting for several hours in a drenching downpour.

Once the rain started, I noticed little cloudy, waxy-like dots on the bow. At first, I thought something had dripped on the bow, and I scraped one off with my fingernail. It didn't take much effort, almost like scraping off a bit of dried blood. I quickly realized that it was the finish that was coming off, or at least the top coat.

It didn't take long for the entire bow to develop that cloudy appearance. I don't know if this bow has a finish applied over the factory finish, or not, but one thing is for sure, it needs a waterproof coating of some sort.

Has anyone else experienced the same thing?

[cbCrow]

I have a older Redman and a newer Tembo that have both been in the rain on a few occasions and I have never seen that, maybe a coating on it ? I'd call Craig if it were me.

[Bud B.]

My HH Big 5 has gotten pretty wet before too and I have not seen that happen with mine. Actually, I've put mine through a few hunting excursions that have tested the finish and it has held up very well. i.e rain, snow, mud, etc...being dropped a time or two    

I do dry it as soon a practical after each time it has gotten wet.

[Butch Speer]

Sounds like someone has added a coat of oil based finish. I've seen that happen on selfbows.

[Ric O'Shay]

Yes Sir, someone has put something on top of Craig's finish. Never seen that on any of my Hill's.

Danny

[Looper]

That's what I was thinking. Now I wonder what was put on it. I need to get it off without hurting the original finish.

I'll see if I can track down this bow's history. I know Mudd owned it at one time.

[swampthing]

Hopefully it was just wax. Does it buff to a gloss finish??

[Looper]

I haven't tried to buff it. I'll try that later on this evening.

[Kevin Hansen]

Originally posted by swampthing:
Hopefully it was just wax. Does it buff to a gloss finish??

Never had this happen, but wax was my first guess, too.
Hope you get it straightened out!

[mikebiz]

howdy looper.  If that's the Cheetah you got from me I never put anything on the finish.  Never noticed it either.  It does sound like it was waxed at some point.  I hope it comes up ok.

[RC]

My Hills have been drenched more than once with no ill effects.RC

[Looper]

It was definitely waxed. I stripped off some with some mineral spirits and it came right off. I'll do the whole thing tomorrow. Yes, Mike, it is the bow I got from you. It's a great shooter.

[mikebiz]

Glad you like it and that the wax is coming off.  I got really nervous there for a minute.  Good luck with it looper.