Smithwick Recurve Restoration Project

[BrownA5]

I am not sure if this is the proper forum for this.....?  I am looking to re-finish my fathers Smithwick bow from the late to mid 60's I believe.  As you can see from the attached pictures my father had painted it black for Deer hunting and Carp fishing.  10 or 12 years ago her started to strip the paint of using a knife, but never completed the project.  The bow, overall, is in nice condition - no cracks, no stress marks (that I can see), no limb twist or de-lams.  The limbs are wood core and I suspect with glass.  My question is what would be the best way to remove the rest of the black paint and refinish the limbs?  I asked my father the specs on the bow and he remembers them to be 45# @ 28".  Bow overall is 70" in length!  I would like to get this re-finished over the next month or so.  My Dad is still with us and I know it would mean a lot to him to see it restored as much as possible.

Any ideas / suggested would be greatly appreciated!

[EvilDogBeast]

Remove the current finish by hand sanding down to bare fiberglass and wood with 240.  After that you should be able to recoat after wiping with isopropyl (preferred) or denatured alcohol.

[BrownA5]

EvilDogBeast, thanks for the response!  I have never done this before so when you say "recoat" are you doing the limbs as well as the riser and what would you recommend?  Thanks again!

[Flem]

Did your Dad mention what type of paint he used? I would guess the finish underneath is Fullerplast, what condition is it in?  As far as finishes go, a 2K is best. What is your skill level for finishing? Own a spray gun?

[BrownA5]

Flem, I can check with him but he probably will not remember the paint used.  From the looks he used a can of spray paint.  Overall the condition of the limbs appears to be very good.  I have shot the bow recently and have not noticed any issues.  He always kept the bow out of the sun and hung up in his shop.  As far as my refinishing skills go, I would say they are decent.  I do some wood working and woodcarving but mainly use handrubbed oil finishes.  I do not own a sprayer.

[BrownA5]

Since I am not set-up to do this work do you have any recommendations on who I can send the bow to to have it done?

[EvilDogBeast]

Since you are adding a new finish you will want to paint the entire thing.  Blending new clear coat into an existing, unknown finish is tough.  As far as who could do it for you, some of the guys on here may be willing to do it for you.  You could also call or visit some local auto body shops and see if they'd be able to spray it for you (check to see if they have a satin or matte clear coat).  You'll probably want to prep it yourself though.

[Roy from Pa]

Dan, I sent you a private message, actually 2 LOL.

[BrownA5]

Appreciate all the input! 

Roy, I did see both of your PM,s - Hate it when that happens 

I will give them a call.

[Flem]

You can do this yourself easily. All the work is in removing all the old paint and finish and you are going to want to do that yourself by hand. You can get a decent finish with SprayMax, or any number of the other 2K finishes available in a can these days. If it's not perfect the first time, just sand it down a little and shoot another coat. Easy to rub out to get a professional finish also.

[Roy from Pa]

 Hate it when that happens 

Me too dammit:)