refinfishing a recurve?


Guest Sagitarius

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Re: refinfishing a recurve?

I'm not sure if there is a special varnish that keeps it more "traditional" or not. For regular refinishing, what are your resources? I'm spoiled in that the company I work for makes furniture and if I want something finished I have a complete finish line at my disposal. You may already know what you need to know about finishing, but if you have any questions about finishing steps let me know.

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Re: refinfishing a recurve?

Steve-

That's a real good question. I guess I never did question what the finish is on bows. They do have one feature that is different from furniture finishing in that the limbs are being constantly flexed. It kind of makes you wonder if some finishes might crack after a while.

While I have no immediate plans for a bow re-finishing project, it will be very interesting to see the replies here.

Doc

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Guest Sagitarius

Re: refinfishing a recurve?

Doc,

The flexing is my main concern, I know alot about doing furniture and other such items that are relatively sedentary. My concern is the flex and how that will break down a varnish.

Anyone who has built a traditional bow please let me know what you have used to finish the bow. Thanks

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Re: refinfishing a recurve?

I have seen many little tiny cracks in the finish of commercially produced bows of very high quality. These bows were not mistreated either. I think your concern is valid. It certainly would be a shame to go to all the effort to do a great job of refinishing only to find out that the finish will not hold up due to poor selection of the finishing materials. I'm surprised that no one has offered any advice on this question yet. I guess the right person with the right background hasn't seen it yet.

Doc

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Re: refinfishing a recurve?

Helmsman Spar Urathane Semi Gloss (spray can) is what I use on the bows I make. 3 or 4 coats with very fine sanding between. It dries fast to the touch but for the last coat you want 24 hours to cure. The instructions on the can are easy to follow.

Its plenty tough and still flexable. I was recommended this by guys over on TradGang.com forum.

Good luck and I what to see pics of it when its done.

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