Been Lotsa good advise given. I do it pretty much the same as been mentioned. In Have tried most all the methods. From using lye to acetone to degrease the wood . And used to groove the surface to be glued. As to sizing I have done it both ways with and without, but really haven't notice any difference in the end result.So I like to use thin elk hide usually from a young cow. As I have a neighbor that brain tans hides.I like titebond 3, But bowyers bible suggests hide to hide glue is the best recommended.I cut my material first at about 1/8 inch past edge of dimensions. I seize the limbs and apply the hide. I forgot to mention ,I soak the hide in cold water for an hour and wrap in a towel. Don't want to water down the glue. Now I use shrink wrap and wrap nice and tight. Let dry for about 12 hours and unwrap and let air dry and watch it shrink to a nice glossy finish. I then sand the edges with a dremel tool and use a metal file to file the edges smooth filing from center to edge. There Ya go, that is all . I never sand the hide itself as it is smooth if you do it this way.By the way you don't have to scratch the surface of the bow necessarily , I don't anymore and haven't had one slip yet. Good Luck Denny