Finish on bows.

[Buemaker]

I see now that some bowyers do not fill the pores in riser woods before finish spraying leaving pores visible. Take a look at this picture. I am not quite sure what I think, any opinions on this?
This guy makes some nice work by the way.

[Roy from Pa]

Actually Bue, I like the looks of grain in a bow.

I really do not like a glassy smooth high gloss finish.

But that's just my opinion.

[Appalachian Hillbilly]

Those Look nice! It all depends on the wood and grain of the wood. Some I like glossy, such as Bloodwood. It makes the irridescence of the wood show better, others I like matte. Depends on the piece.

[KenH]

I agree with Roy -- I LIKE grain in wood.  Otherwise I'd use cast plastic or paint.

[Longcruise]

For me it depends on the wood.  Wenge as an example, IMO needs fill

[Mad Max]

For me it depends on the wood.  Wenge as an example, IMO needs fill

x2

[Jeff Freeman]

I fill all of my exposed wood. Some don't need much and some need a lot. I use a Mask epoxy with a fast hardener. JF

[Crooked Stic]

If you don't care for smooth glossy finish then urn your gun down to 10 psi and kinda spatter about three final coats then you don't notice the pores as much.

[Stagmitis]

Open pores drive me nuts on a final finish- You could have a matte finish or glossy finish comletely void of them. I would raher have them completely sealed and level knowing that the finish will protect the bow the best it can under the harshest conditions.

[Jeff Freeman]

Open pores drive me nuts on a final finish- You could have a matte finish or glossy finish comletely void of them. I would raher have them completely sealed and level knowing that the finish will protect the bow the best it can under the harshest conditions.

 That's me too

[Bvas]

My finishes aren’t perfect, but I do my best to fill all grain and pores. I think a smooth finish shows off the grain and colors better

Never fails that there are few “divets” that show up when finish is applied.

[Roy from Pa]

Yup, if it doesn't run, chrome it..

 

[Crooked Stic]

Chrome too chiney 

[garyschuler]

The finish on a bow is the most important factor when selling to the public. Trust me on this, you can have the Worlds best bow but If the finish is subpar you will be doomed. A class AAAA finish is the most important factor in selling bows. 
It is the diff is in a 500.00 bow and a 1000.00 bow. Also it  shows knowledge in wood working and technique skills. 

[Crooked Stic]

Gary a good finish on a well designed bow will add to selling it.
I have had two high end (price wise bows) that where not that good of shooters.  But the fit and finish was second to none.
So I feel good design that fits the buyer may be more important.
2 cents

[garyschuler]

Crooked Stic, Yes a proven design from a well known Bowyer, I agree.
But to a Potential Buyer that is looking at bows, say at a Trad Shoot it will be the bow with the best finish that will get noticed first. This is what I notice first at least and I could be all wrong.

[Bvas]

Crooked Stic, Yes a proven design from a well known Bowyer, I agree.
But to a Potential Buyer that is looking at bows, say at a Trad Shoot it will be the bow with the best finish that will get noticed first. This is what I notice first at least and I could be all wrong.

I agree Gary. It’s hard to test drive a bow without looking at it first.

Every part of the build deserves my best effort, design to finish.

[Mike L.]

I’ve only finished a few so far with Krystal dull, but it looks amazing.  I think someone recommended a sanding sealer be applied first.  I have some nitrocellulose that I got to use as a sanding sealer for pens, but what do you guys use to fill the grain before finishing?  Also, do you only apply it to the wood? 

[Jeff Freeman]

Gloss epoxy and yes I only put it on the wood. JF

[Mike L.]

Jeff, Can you recommend a specific product?  I think you mentioned mask epoxy?