cleaning

[brian]

#2666

what’s the best way to clean-up older bows? what chemicals are a strict no-no?

[T. J. Conrads]

#31213

Hi Brian:

Simple wax is best. I use a gentle wax that is made for guitars and other fine instruments and furniture, and it works quite well. Some people use car wax, but some of this can be quite abrasive. It may proof useful, though, to remove stains and some scratches. Always test the wax on a small area first, and make sure there are no harsh solvents in the product.

T.J.

[Carl]

#57514

to clean older bows im not sure – i have always used a warm damp cloth for cleaning followed by birchwood casey gunstock wax – seems to work well for me

[sammy smallwood]

#9853

I use alcohol… works great at taking off residue and won’t hurt your bow.

[Trap]

#19748

Usually a clear coat polish or car wax works pretty well. For the stubborn areas you can use one of those green scratch pads. It can always be polished back to a shine.

When the finish is still in tact but yellowed, many guys take 1500 or 2000 grit wet/dry sand paper and lightly go over the finish to remnove the yellowing. The bow can them be polished to a nice shine.

Paint and adhesives can be removed with several solvents. Lighter fluid, WD 40, OOPs, Lacquer thinner.

Stay away from chemical strippers. Elbow grease is cheaper in the long run.

Trap

[Author]

Posts