Author Topic: Sealing a rawhide-backed bow (Read 2819 times)

NewBowyer · « **on:** January 19, 2022, 12:52:12 pm »

I’m wondering about a sealer to finish a honeysuckle bow I backed with rawhide using TB3 glue. Are the usual wood sealers compatible with rawhide, or are there some I should avoid? At home I have Thunderbird sealer (which I love on all the arrows I build), boiled linseed oil, Minwax tung oil, Minwax Helmsman spray spar urethane, and Minwax polycrylic (which made a very nice but glossy finish on a maple bow I made). For convenience I prefer to use one of these if possible, but am not opposed to something else if all these are poor choices with the rawhide.

Stickhead · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2022, 02:37:19 pm »

Try Oil works for me.

gutpile · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2022, 02:58:03 pm »

snake skin .. or the spar urethene would be my choice.. not sure about an oil on rawhide..may soften it..but I never backed with rawhide either.. gut

NewBowyer · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2022, 03:03:10 pm »

I finished a small kid’s bow with that spray spar urethane and it makes a nice smooth satiny finish. Just not sure of what is and isn’t compatible with rawhide & TB3 glue.

Deerhunter21 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2022, 03:51:32 pm »

I like boiled linseed oil. but thats just personal preference. it may turn the rawhide yellow. I know that Tru oil is a popular finish and i think it looks really good! I havent gotten my hands on any yet though

Will B · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2022, 04:04:49 pm »

I’ve backed quite a few bows with rawhide and I have had good success with multiple coats of Tru-oil followed by a final coat of spar urethane to reduce the shine.

Don W · « **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2022, 05:59:09 pm »

I typically use tru-oil or spar varnish. Both work fine.

Pappy · « **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2022, 06:54:28 pm »

I have done many and do the same as Will B. Pappy

Pat B · « **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2022, 11:18:25 pm »

I've made plenty of rawhide backed bows and do the same as Will B but I use Deft spray satin poly to cut the shine. Tru Oil is a high gloss finish but works well over rawhide.

bownarra · « **Reply #9 on:** January 20, 2022, 03:31:19 am »

Tru-oil leaves a film which can be scratched - rules it out for me.
Seriously guys try pure Tung oil and follow the instructions

Tung oil finishes have a whole lot going for them!

Pappy · « **Reply #10 on:** January 20, 2022, 08:29:19 am »

True , tru oil can be scratched but also very easy to rub out or easily refinished .

Pappy

Pat B · « **Reply #11 on:** January 20, 2022, 09:36:04 am »

I agree with Pappy. Tru-Oil is very easy ti repair if needed.

NewBowyer · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2022, 03:23:15 pm »

Any thoughts on how best to deal with the seam where the 2 strips of rawhide overlap? Not sure it can be sanded.

Pat B · « **Reply #13 on:** January 22, 2022, 05:43:29 pm »

I usually use 2 pieces of rawhide on a backing because it is easier than trying to lay one long piece down. A simple butt joint or a scarfed joint works well in the center of the handle and the handle wrap covers the joint.

Don W · « **Reply #14 on:** January 22, 2022, 05:56:01 pm »

Quote from: NewBowyer on January 22, 2022, 03:23:15 pm

Any thoughts on how best to deal with the seam where the 2 strips of rawhide overlap? Not sure it can be sanded.

I agree the center of the handle is best, but sanding it is fine as well

Primitive Archer