bear grease v.s. rawhide, titebond?

[aaron]

I'm just finishing up on a rawhide backed osage. the rawhide was glued with TBIII and will be painted with hide glue based paint. Is there any problem using bear grease on this combo- how does it affect the rawhide? I live and hunt in the pacific north west- very dewy, rainy in sept.

[nugget]

I have never use that combo. I would think the rawhide might get a little stinky with the grease on it. I also do not think that the grease would keep enough moisture out of the rawhide. I would be worried about the rawhide coming loose if not sealed properly if you live in a real damp area. This is my opinion. See if anyone else chimes in with more experience on this combo.
Why did you back the osage? just curious.

[aaron]

I backed it 'cos it had a flaw in the back (a tiny splinter tore off when chasing a ring) and so just wanted extra assurance with the short bow. my first osage.
what else besides bear grease might go well with rawhide?- I dont want to polyurethane it.

[Hillbilly]

I don't think you would have any problems between the bear grease and glue or rawhide. I used to use bear grease on my leather boots all the time to waterproof them. If you're wanting to go with a natural finish that's authentic for North America, bear grease is probably the best one out there. It beads water off extremely well.

[nugget]

Now that someone with experience has chimed in, you have better advice. I was not sure. I was just curious about the backing no harm intended. So now we both have learned something. Thanks Hillbilly.

[Pat B]

I'm thinking you will have a problem with the hide glue based paint. Your designs may run if it gets too wet. When I apply rawhide with TBIII I usually add a thin coat of glue over(same with snake skins) the rawhide to water proof it better. I then add my regular finish(Tru-Oil).

[Juniper]

I recently painted a rawhide backed bow with water based paint and then finished with some homemade pine sap varnish.  Didn't have any trouble with the paint or the rawhide.  The varnish takes a while to dry, but seems to work pretty good.  They discuss this type of varnish in one of the TBB's.  I can't remember which one. 

[aaron]

thanks everyone for the advice. i've never tried the pitch-based varnish, but that would probably be a good one too. I have tested the bear grease on the paint and it doesn't seem to smudge much- just darkens it.... I have a bunch of natural pigments from a garage sale- burnt umber, yellow ochre, "green earths", purplish iron oxide, etc...etc... to many colors to choose from!