Martin Custom Bushmaster Longbow finish

[Friedrich]

Hi all, this is my first post here. I just picked up a used Martin Custom Bushmaster Longbow which looks pretty well used. It has glass on the front/back of the limbs which looks great. However the sides of the limbs seem a bit rough and dry in some spots, like whatever finish it had from the factory is gone. It's noticeable halfway down the limbs and worse toward the tips. Does anyone know what type of finish this bow had originally (e.g. varnish or just oil)? Also I'm wondering how to touch it up a bit. I might lightly sand the sides and tips and then use some Tru-oil. Not sure if I'd need to restain the wood or not (after sanding). So, I'm looking for ideas how to refinish it, and also what *not* to do so I don't mess anything up! I'd rather not touch the glass since that looks pretty good.   Thanks.

[warpedarrow]

If the finish on the glass is good you can do just as you said, light sanding and then apply Tru Oil with a cloth.  Some guys use coffee filters but I prefer a cotton cloth that is a tight weave and relatively lint free..  If you are good with a rattle can you could spray the entire bow with Helmsman spar urethane but plan on spraying the entire bow so the overspray won't mess up the limbs.  

Either way, give the bow a good cleaning and dewaxing prior to sanding and applying finish.  Any wax residue will wreak havoc on the way the finish adheres and flattens.

[Friedrich]

Thanks for the info. I don't believe it has any wax on it but how would you typically remove wax?

[warpedarrow]

I use rubbing alcohol