Spar over Tru-Oil

[coaster500]

I don't know that I'll do it but can Spar be applied over tru oil?  ...   Just seems that Tru-Oil in not as strong a finish as far a protection.

[Igor]

I've used spar urethane over tru-oil a number of times with good results.


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Glenn

[PEARL DRUMS]

Tru Oil will let you put almost anything over it. Tru Oil alone is pretty tuff stuff if you put 4-8 coats on. The last few bows I built last month where dipped in a 3" pvc tube full of Helmsman. You want to see a solid, perfect, bullet proof finish? Try that method. A single dip per limb is plenty thick and looks wonderful.

[coaster500]

Thanks Igor    

Chris, how do you keep it from running and how do you hang it to dry?

[PEARL DRUMS]

I dip half the bow and hold it over the tube until the dripping slows down. Then I hang it on a clothes line with a spring clamp in my shop to dry for two days. Then flip it over and do the same. No runs, no smears and a super thick, durable finish is the result. I figure about $5.00 a bow if you use good stuff like Zip Gaurd or Helmsman.

[Walt Francis]

Chris,
Did you thin the Helmsmen with anything?

[PEARL DRUMS]

Nope. It all runs right off the limb tip Walt. I just break that little bead of dried urethane off the tips. I have found the KEY to dipping bows is pulling the bow back out VERY slowly so the "run's" cant even start. I have a friend who did a little test of dipped urethanes on wood and he says Zip Gaurd is the only finish that survived 7 days under running water in a creek. Helmsman was a very close second and more than usable.

[Roy from Pa]

I've done the same as Pearl with great results. I have noticed that spar results in a little thinner coat than urethane, for those who may want a thinner finish. The spar dries faster also. I also wet down the floor and use a tack cloth on the bow before dipping.

[Tom Leemans]

Hmmmmmm? Better get going on selling those bow dipping tubes then!  

[BWD]

Sure can Kip. I use Tru-oil to fill the pores in the riser. And, on glass bows, I run a coat or two down the limb edges, because it soaks in a bit. I figure that might help keep moisture out if the limb edge gets dinged a bit. A little sanding, after the last coat, and spar goes right over it with no problems. lol

[maineac]

Does the thickness of the finish affect limb speed much?  I have to refinish some limbs on a takedown longbow I have and am starting to do some research.

[Glunt]

I often do like BWD stated using Tru Oil on exposed wood and then spar.  If you do a couple coats of gloss spar and then switch to satin it gives it a deep but non-shiny look.