Bear bow finish

[Biff]

I am refinishing a "Bear" 1970 Grizzly. Part of the bow I'm leaving untouched, and need to know what finish to use as to not hurt the original finish. (I don't know what Bear used) I was hoping to use Deft, or something simular. Thanks for an answer, Biff

[d. ward]

Hi Biff,Bear used fuller on all of there bows and vary well may using it still today.The brush on deft works well with the fuller.Bob uses one of those spounge paint pads.Seems to do a real nice job.You can also use Brichwood & Casey gun stock true oil.Both work well with the fullerplast.And are super easy to apply.bowdoc

[Frank V]

Biff, listen to Don he refinished a 69 Super Mag for me a couple years ago & it's tops. That bow is still going Don. Frank

[Biff]

Thanks a bunch Bowdoc, I'd like the bow to look good in case ol' Fred is looking down on us! Deft it is!  Biff

[Dave Worden]

Don, I've gotta ask.....I've always heard that lacquer was too brittle to be a good bow finish.  Deft is lacquer.  Have I been told wrong all these years?

[Jeremy]

While we're on the subject, what's the best way to remove 50 years worth of grime and wax without hurting the finish under it?  Time to clean up some "new" arrivals  

[d. ward]

Hi Dan the brush-on deft seems to work pretty good.I used it on a couple touch ups.And Bob has been using it for several years and it seems to work well with other finishes.Not the spray can deft.Brichwood & Casey Tru Oil gunstock finish is also real good for complete jobs or just touch ups.bd

[Aram]

I never used fuller so I have to ask: Why not use the original fuller?
Is it expensive? Difficult to apply?
Aram

[OconeeDan]

Aram, the Fullerplast works great.  You need a spray gun to apply it, an airbrush may work but is on the small side.
It costs about 80 bucks for a "kit", which includes a gallon of fullerplast, the hardner, and the recommended reducer.
The manufacturer will not (can not) sell smaller quantities because it is considered an industrial product.
But...a gallon will finish a bunch of bows, and has a long shelf life.
And, it's easy to get a good finish.

[Aram]

Thank you! I'd love to try it. I have a spray gun I used once so I'm not too handy with it. (May be I can practice even strokes with ink water on cardboard...) Sounds like fullerplast is an epoxy. If so, is it UV proof or does it still need a protective finish on top?