silk or linen

[mspink]

Hey guys, Was wondering whick backing would be tougher? Also which one would be more compatible with red oak. Making a bow for a friend and am going to back it with one or the other. Thanks

[Pat B]

Both are compatable with red oak and either will be plenty strong enough so which ever you have available would be the best. 

[mspink]

is there different weaves or do fabric stores sell it the same way basically? What should I look for if i go with linen?

[Keenan]

Silk will stretch more then linen. But as Pat said both will work fine

[Dazv]

we backed my first bow(red oak flatbow) with linen because that took a splinter and the linen held it down just fine.

[Pat B]

Go to GoodWill or other thrift store and buy a linen blouse , skirt or pants. Generally pretty cheap and you might get a nice camo design on it too.    If you buy it by the yard get just plain linen or silk cloth. One yard will back lots of bows. Silk neck ties make good backings too.

[PatM]

Dupioni silk is much less stretchy, thicker and often better looking than old clothing items.
 Silk is not nearly as expensive as you may think. In fact high grade linen as you might find in an art shop is more expensive.
 I actually like the idea of a linen underbacking with silk on top of that

[mspink]

how long can you expect linen to hold small splinters down? Will it last for years?

[Pat B]

Once any cloth or paper backing is saturated with glue and the glue cures you would be surprised how strong it is. It should last the life of the bow or longer.