Bow Finishes - Whats everyone using?

Where to source materials etc. Also the place to show off your new bow or quiver etc.... Making things belongs in Traditional Crafts.

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Muz1970
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Bow Finishes - Whats everyone using?

#1 Post by Muz1970 » Wed Jan 03, 2018 10:55 pm

I'm chasing info on what finishes people are using on their bows. I'm still using exterior varnish but would like to improve on it. Something hard wearing that can take a few bumps.

I see Minwax is popular, is it hard wearing?

What about oils and waxs?

Thinking of trying a two pack satin lacquer. Any thoughts
https://www.timbecon.com.au/finishing/v ... ed-lacquer

Cheers Muz

matt61
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Re: Bow Finishes - Whats everyone using?

#2 Post by matt61 » Thu Jan 04, 2018 7:57 am

On Tradgang in the US some guys have been using VHT Wheel Paint Gloss Clear
and they reckon its tough as hell.
You can buy it from Autobarn for about $15 a can, there is a Matte Clear as well.
I have bought a can, but have not been brave enough to try it yet :roll: .
Matt

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Re: Bow Finishes - Whats everyone using?

#3 Post by Stickbow Hunter » Thu Jan 04, 2018 5:15 pm

Since the early 1990's I have used two pack auto finishes on my bows because they gave a good hard protective coat. I used the Protec brand for a lot of years. They no longer make the exact finish I used so I am looking for an alternative also. That two pack wood finish you linked to should be good I would think Muz.

I know a couple of local bow makers that are using that mag wheel paint that Matt mentions and they seem happy with the results they are getting.

Jeff

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Muz1970
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Re: Bow Finishes - Whats everyone using?

#4 Post by Muz1970 » Thu Jan 04, 2018 10:27 pm

Thanks Matt and Jeff

I tried sourcing the "VHT Wheel Paint Gloss Clear" today at several shops in town with no luck.

Found it online and have ordered a can of matte finish to try.
https://www.kingswoodcountry.com.au/buy ... lear/SP190

While in town I ended up grabbing a spray can of Anchor lacquer to try in the mean time.

Muz

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Re: Bow Finishes - Whats everyone using?

#5 Post by matt61 » Fri Jan 05, 2018 7:31 am

Hi Muz
Have a look in ..The Bowyers Bench.. section of Tradgang , it would be about year ago when the subject was on there.
They did some tests by coating bits of wood and then hitting it with rocks and it stood up pretty well apparently.
Let me know how you find the VHT.
Matt

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Muz1970
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Re: Bow Finishes - Whats everyone using?

#6 Post by Muz1970 » Fri Jan 05, 2018 10:57 pm

Yep, found it. Cheers

bone idyll
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Re: Bow Finishes - Whats everyone using?

#7 Post by bone idyll » Sat Jan 06, 2018 2:53 pm

Muz1970 wrote:I'm chasing info on what finishes people are using on their bows. I'm still using exterior varnish but would like to improve on it. Something hard wearing that can take a few bumps.

I see Minwax is popular, is it hard wearing?

What about oils and waxs?

Thinking of trying a two pack satin lacquer. Any thoughts
https://www.timbecon.com.au/finishing/v ... ed-lacquer

Cheers Muz
Heh Muz..I'm starting a new batch of arrows that will be tanked under pressure to force the Boatcraft Pacafic epoxy into them and then satin finished with 0000 steel wool. This brand epoxy has worked exceptionally well in the past on both arrow shafts and bows..it can be attenuated carefully with acetone if you want a more workable fluid. Good luck.

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Muz1970
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Re: Bow Finishes - Whats everyone using?

#8 Post by Muz1970 » Sat Jan 06, 2018 4:20 pm

Thanks for the info

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bigbob
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Re: Bow Finishes - Whats everyone using?

#9 Post by bigbob » Mon Jan 08, 2018 2:50 pm

Its what i use very very good.
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Re: Bow Finishes - Whats everyone using?

#10 Post by UPTHETOP » Mon Jan 08, 2018 7:46 pm

I use cabots CFP floor clear in satin (turps based) but add the CFP hardner and spray in on sanding between coats. Its hard wearing stuff gotta be on the floors I finish.

Cheers Wayno
Justastik Arrow Craft, Its all about the Wood.

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Re: Bow Finishes - Whats everyone using?

#11 Post by bigbob » Mon Jan 08, 2018 7:50 pm

Here is a couple of bows I 've done with the VHT.
Attachments
DSCN1834.JPG
DSCN1834.JPG (195.41 KiB) Viewed 7459 times
DSCN1833.JPG
DSCN1833.JPG (203.36 KiB) Viewed 7459 times
nil illigitimo in desperandum carborundum
razorbows.com

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Muz1970
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Re: Bow Finishes - Whats everyone using?

#12 Post by Muz1970 » Mon Jan 08, 2018 9:52 pm

looks good Bob, like the 2nd bow

Your onto something Wayno, floor finishes do take a flogging, I'll keep it in mind if I don't end up liking the VHT.

Cheers Muz

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Re: Bow Finishes - Whats everyone using?

#13 Post by yeoman » Sat Apr 07, 2018 1:39 pm

For wood bows I used Organoil, which is a combination of beeswax and citrus oil. Sustainable, penetrating, smells delicious.
https://www.instagram.com/armworks_australia/

Bow making courses, knife making courses, armour making courses and more:
http://www.tharwavalleyforge.com/

Articles to start making bows:
http://www.tharwavalleyforge.com/index. ... /tutorials

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