Bow Finish

[kybowhunter2]

What the best bow finsh to use. gettin ready to finsh my first self bow and I got it looking good and ready for finish. What is the best most durable finish. Thanks.

[red hill]

I prefer tru-oil. Put 6-8 coats on and let each coat dry before applying the next.

[Jomohr84]

"best" finish ends up being a matter of preference.  Most durable or toughest would be  probably be something like thunderbird or a catalyzed varnish, though they are more expensive and more work to apply properly. I used deft lacquer in a spray can for a while, until I found that it dissolved in the presence of insect repellent. Now polyurethane is my choice since I already use it on my arrows.

[bigbob2]

For someone without recourse to spray equipment, I did try true oil, liked the result but didnt like the way it hardens in the container in a short time. I am very happy with minwax poly wipe on, doing multiple coats using ultra fine steel wool between coats.

[hunterbob]

I have liked the way true oil lookes and works.But when it comes to a nice finish for hunting and the most waterproof I like to use paraffin the wax soaks in great with some heat .

[blue_beast_66]

I like a 50/50 mix of polyurethane and Danish oil.

[Bowjunkie]

The best, most durable finish is Thunderbird, IMO.

[DVSHUNTER]

I now use shellac in multiple coats.

[AngelDeVille]

I use shellac for a lot of different projects, will it soak into the wood well enough? How would it work for arrows?

[macbow]

I"ve recently put a,coat of shellac and then true oil.
Since I use Ipe a lot the shellac seals the Ipe so the tru-oil,dries,faster.
I might have to try the built up shellac next.

[tomsm44]

I'm new to this forum and relatively new to traditional archery.  Found a lot of good information so far.  Just curious how complicated is the Thunderbird to apply?  I'm considering restoring a Bear Black Bear.  

I started a thread about this with some other questions since this will be my first restoration project.  It's titled "Bear Bow Restoration" if anyone has any advice for me.  I'm going to try to get some before pictures up.  If I do decide to tackle this project, I'll get some after pictures up once I'm finished.

[DVSHUNTER]

I have great results with the shellac. It sticks to wood well and have used it for arrows as well. It sites very quickly and allows for multiply coats in a day and series very hard. Plus it is easy to blend in if mistakes are made or further tillering after finishing.

[Red Tailed Hawk]

tru oil is great stuff and easy. a bit glossy which can be cut down with a coat a spar.

[Jim Rocole]

i am a fan of Thunderbird. it goes on easy with $20 HVLP sprayer from Harbor Freight.