Removing a Name from a Bow

[1/4 away]

If I wanted to remove a name from a used bow that I bought is it something that I can do or would it be best to have the bowyer that made the bow remove it?

[Toxophilite]

Calling the bowyer first makes sense. Sometimes you can take a name off, sometimes it's under the finish. No need to take the chance of messing up your bow when the call will give ya the info ya need.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

what kind of bow? glass (belly/back) or wood (selfbow/ wood laminated)???

is on the riser or limb?

[1/4 away]

It's a glass bow but its on the riser.

[mike g]

Why remove history from the bow...?

[BMN]

I'm with you Mike. I have a couple of bows with names on them other than mine. I think it adds to their character.

[1/4 away]

The bow really has no history. The guy bought several custom bows as an investment. This bow hasn't been hunted and only sat in his rack. I was thinking of having the name removed and Made For Makin Meat put in its place.

[Orion]

It's pretty easy to do.  Most bowyers spary on a coat or two of finish, write on the name and spray over with another coat or two of finish.  Some just write on the name after the bow is finished and don't top coat it.  

Either way, you can take it off.  I generally mask off the area and then take 220 grit sandpaper and gently sand until the name is removed.  Try not to leave any abrupt edges as you sand through the finish.  Then you might go to 320 grit. Could go even finer, but usually isn't necessary.  Then remove the masking tape, wipe the area to be sprayed with denatured alcohol and give the area 2-4 very light coats of spray finish, allowing appropriate drying time inbetween, of course.  I prefer Helmsnan spar urathane.  Many hardware stores carry it in satin, semi-gloss and gloss to match your bow's finish.  Deft is another brand name that has worked well for me.  Good luck.

[1/4 away]

Thanks Jerry. I have a call into the bowyer to see if he'll do it. If not, I may be tempted to give your method a try as it sounds simple enough.