Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Slackbunny on January 03, 2012, 06:12:15 pm

Title: Transparent Backings
Post by: Slackbunny on January 03, 2012, 06:12:15 pm
I am currently working on a project that should be backed, but I would like to maintain the wood look on the back. I havn't done much work with backings so I am pretty inexperienced with them. Is there any type of "primitive" backing that will be transparent when finished?
Title: Re: Transparent Backings
Post by: Pat B on January 03, 2012, 06:27:49 pm
Rawhide backing usually dried white although sometimes it comes out transparent. It makes a very strong but light backing.
Title: Re: Transparent Backings
Post by: mullet on January 03, 2012, 06:48:12 pm
I have some white silk that is transparent when used for backing.
Title: Re: Transparent Backings
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on January 03, 2012, 07:13:22 pm
The rawhide I have or have used dried white as Pat said. I did see two pair at the store the other day that were amber transparent in color, my DUMB butt picked them up twice and sat them back down because they where $24 per pair. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I should call up there and tell them to send them to me. Coolest rawhide ever. Eddie's silk idea sounds good, but maybe not as primitive as you like.
Title: Re: Transparent Backings
Post by: osage outlaw on January 03, 2012, 07:39:37 pm
White tissue paper dries clear, but that won't give you any strength benifits.  I would guess Mullet has the best idea.
Title: Re: Transparent Backings
Post by: Tortoise on January 03, 2012, 08:16:49 pm
You can try transparent fiberglass, that preserves the wood too.
Title: Re: Transparent Backings
Post by: adb on January 03, 2012, 08:36:20 pm
I've used deer rawhide on a yew stave, and it dried clear. Just make sure you use a glue that will also dry clear, like TB1. I used TB3 with rawhide, and TB3 dries brown.
Title: Re: Transparent Backings
Post by: sadiejane on January 03, 2012, 08:41:00 pm
used tb II and deer rawhide on one bow-dried almost clear. you can see the grain of the osage.
Title: Re: Transparent Backings
Post by: mullet on January 03, 2012, 09:05:52 pm
I'll send you some of that silk if you want.
Title: Re: Transparent Backings
Post by: soy on January 03, 2012, 09:31:14 pm
You can try transparent fiberglass, that preserves the wood too.
:o ??? :o :-\ :-[
Title: Re: Transparent Backings
Post by: Slackbunny on January 03, 2012, 10:37:00 pm
You know, I think I might have some silk here that may do the trick. I'll have to do a test piece. Thanks.
Title: Re: Transparent Backings
Post by: Keenan on January 04, 2012, 12:25:13 am
Often the underside of sturgeon skin will finish out transparent