I use tung oil for the finish. I like it because you have no dust or runs and no steel wool between coats. This bow has 4 coats on it, the more coats the higher the gloss, but I don't like a real high gloss on bows, just my opinion there. Tung Oil is not water proof but it is water repellant and I've never had any problems hunting in the rain with my bows. Also you can apply another coat of tung oil at anytime you like over the years. The tip overlays are Black Buffalo horn, I get it in blocks from Jantz knife making supplies.