what should I back with?

[offthegrid]

So, I'm making a red oak flat bow (my first bow) and I want to back it with something. I plan on a red stain when done so I would like something that will look good stained red and of coarse need something strong.

Thanks, Mike

[osage outlaw]

I have seen them backed with sinew, rawhide, drywall tape, brown paper grocery bags, even heard of using blue jeans.

[Boofus]

how long is it? if it's over 62" i would stay away from sinew and just go with rawhide (dog chews work great)

[Pat B]

If there are no problems but you just want to back it try brown bag paper with TB glue. You can stain or dye that red. Red linen or silk will do the job too.   If you have problems with the stave(grain violations , runoffs, etc) use rawhide!

[George Tsoukalas]

I keep it as natural as I can. My favorite backings are silk and burlap. Jawge

[Stingray45]

Just did my first rawhide backing and love it. I bet it would look nice died red as well. I should actually be posting some pictures soon of it. I was considering using a red stain with it, a red chestnut or something of that nature. That could give you an idea of how it works.

[4est Trekker]

I second Pat's advice.  I've used brown shipping paper for several red oak pyramid bows.  I leave the paper plenty wide, stain it, then trim it flush.  This gives a nice contrast between the paper and the wood.  Here's a picture: