Skins over beeswax finish

[Drew]

I'd like to put snake skins on a selfbow with a beeswax finish, what prep work will I need to do to ensure the glue will adhere?

Thanks!

[Apex Predator]

I would think that all that finish would have to be removed.

[rainman]

Use Naptha to strip wax, all of it.  Then apply snake skin, descale skin and you can use wax as a finish

[Shaun]

Any wax dissolving solvent will remove enough to make the glue stick. Acetone, turpentine, etc.

I'd use TruOil or shellac over the skins - after scale removal and trimming, then wax over the finish. Skins are nice but I am getting away from using them because they are the weak link. You have to handle your bow more carefully in the brush and can't use it to whack stuff out of your way on the trail.

[RAU]

In torges hunting the oasage bow doesnt he say that handle leather and side plates can be glued  onto a parafin finnish with contact cement? I think he does. Maybe you could skin the bow with contact cement.