Good Haul.(quick question)

[JW_Halverson]

If I ever grow up I wanna be like Tom.  He's a great guy and makes great bows.  Those staves are in good hands!

[Carson (CMB)]

Nice haul.  Wheel power is the way to go!

[youngbowyer]

You've got a long way to go JW I have a quick question. I sealed the ends like i do with all staves but should i seal the back as well? And if i do seal it, can i seal it with paint or will that be too difficult to scrape off in the finished bow?

[JW_Halverson]

I've sealed backs with latex paint before.  No, it's not that hard to scrape off.  In fact, it scrapes easier then sands off, like I first thought of doing.  But for that matter, how about taking the bow down to the finished shape and pick a nice set of camo colors and seal the back like that and call it done!  Once it's cured, tiller and shoot!

[JW_Halverson]

You've got a long way to go JW

It's like this kid has a window into my soul!

[PEARL DRUMS]

I wouldnt paint any backs. Elm is generally grooved lengthwise on the back and you will have a real mess to clean up later when those micro grooves have left over paint to dig out.  I would use a clear sealer than cant be seen later if some is left behind. 

[DarkSoul]

In my experience, Elm is easy to dry and does not need the back to be sealed. Just don't put the staves in an overly dry place for the first few weeks (no heat box or near the stove) and you should be fine. Sealing the ends is - as always - necessary, but you've already taken care of that

[youngbowyer]

Thanks for the advice. I painted half the staves with latex paint and left a few blank. If i have trouble getting the paint of then o well.

[BowSlayer]

anyone know anything else that can be used to seal the ends of staves? BD

[Pappy]

I seal mosyt of my ends with wood glue. Nice haul young man,that was some mighty fine work right there.
   Pappy

[osage outlaw]

glue, polyurethane, shellac, etc.