Home › Forums › Bows and Equipment › Help with bow finish.

Viewing 8 reply threads
  • Author
    Posts
    • Rupe
        May 18, 2013 at 2:11 pm
        Post count: 44
        #6193

        I just picked up 2 unfinished Hickory bows. They just need to be sanded and a finish put on them. I have never tried finishing a bow, I have always shot the same Bear Kodiak hunter for the past 43 years and thought I would go a little more primitive and found these 2 bows.

        So what I would like help with is what finish should I use?

        I have some Minwax Wood finish. It says it Penetrates, Stains, and Seals. But in fine print it says interior use only. Can I use this and then put something over it to keep it from being damaged from the elements? or do I need to buy something else?

        Any and all help would be awesome. Thank you for your help!

        Rupe (rhymes with Loop)

      • David Petersen
        Member
          May 18, 2013 at 3:56 pm
          Post count: 2749
          #48701

          Rupe — I’ve tried just about everything on wood bows I’ve made in the past, and have come to believe that both practically and “spiritually” a good rubbing with tung oil is the way to go. It protects the wood without adding gloss, making for a lovely yet flat finish so it won’t glint.

          Clay Hayes and several others here have far more experience in this arena, so let’s hope they see your question.

        • Rupe
            May 18, 2013 at 9:36 pm
            Post count: 44
            #48958

            Thank you for the info. I give it a try if others that you mentioned don’t jump in with thier thoughts.

            Rupe

          • coastalbendbows
              May 21, 2013 at 7:42 pm
              Post count: 120
              #52162

              For an all wood natural bow to keep it looking natural I would use tung oil or either tru-oil. Put on a latex glove and pour it into your hand and rub away. It will eventually soak in and seal it. Tru-oil will give it that gun stock looking finish. Then you can just barnish it lightly with a green scrubby pad to knock off the glossiness.

              Hope this helps you out.

            • Rupe
                May 21, 2013 at 9:21 pm
                Post count: 44
                #52237

                Thank you, it looks like maybe tung oil is the way to go unless anyone has anymore Ideas.

                Rupe

              • coastalbendbows
                  May 21, 2013 at 10:52 pm
                  Post count: 120
                  #52296

                  A couple good coats of wax over the summer also helps preserve the finish.

                • Rupe
                    May 22, 2013 at 12:15 am
                    Post count: 44
                    #52357

                    coastalbendbows wrote: A couple good coats of wax over the summer also helps preserve the finish.

                    Thanks, What type of wax would I use? Bee’s wax, Pledge???

                    Like I said I know nothing about finish and bows. My Bear Kodiak has been camo painted for over 30 years so I haven’t had to do anything to it plus with the fiberglass I don’t think you have to apply anything any way.

                    Thanks again for your time to help me out!

                    Rupe

                  • coastalbendbows
                      May 22, 2013 at 1:11 am
                      Post count: 120
                      #52407

                      Here’s a link from yew tree archery. I can’t remember what wax it is I use as I’m at the fire station today. But any furniture wax without silicone will work.

                      http://www.yewtreearchery.co.uk/care-of-your-longbow.htm

                    • Rupe
                        May 22, 2013 at 3:33 am
                        Post count: 44
                        #52532

                        Thanks for the link!

                        Rupe

                    • Author
                      Posts
                    Viewing 8 reply threads
                    • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.