re-lettering and re-signing during refinishing

[bsv]

hey every-one, I'm in the middle of refinishing a Tim Meigs long bow and finding it difficult to sand close to the signature and bow info with-out removing it.should I simply photo it and re-write it before the finial cotes of finish?the authentic signature is what really concerns me . How do you guy's do it? thanks Burt

[reddogge]

I'd tape over it and just be careful sanding near it. Then finish the whole bow.

[Whip]

You can do it either way.  Sanding it off and rewriting will produce good results if you have the correct pens & ink and are a reasonably good forger.  If you go that route apply a coat or two of new finish, then write, then final coats of finish.

Sanding around it can be good unless the original finish had yellowed considerably or if the woods have changed colors.  Some woods darken with age,  others get lighter.
To test,  and around the writing and then wipe the area with denatured alcohol.  That will show what the area will look like with a new clear finish applied.

[bsv]

thanks guy's Whip, I did wipe it with alcohol,and it looks pretty good. thanks for the tip. Burt