Finishes for softer woods?

[KShip85]

Are there any finishes that provide better protection than others for softer woods like ERC?  Working on one and would like to provide some protection against bumps and scratches.

Kip

[TRACY]

Tru oil or poly will work just fine. Linseed oil does well also, just reapply every so often.


Tracy

[Josh B]

I don't know of anything that will protect erc from dents, but tru-oil is one of the easiest finishes to touch up scratches and blemishes.  Josh

[coaster500]

I backed my last ERC with rawhide and finished with tru-oil then Spar (I like a matt finish) I don't think the finish will protect much but the rawhide does. I've done a few Yew bows, some backed and some not and used the same finish. The one that I kept is still a sound shooter but shows some bruises....  Oh well ?

Kip

[blackhawk]

Put a piece of boo or hickory on top of it,and an osage underneath it and your good to go 

[Hrothgar]

As mentioned above, applying some kind of backing will help. For the belly and sides several coats of a marine grade poly will offer some protection against soft dents.

[k-hat]

dunno how much extra protection it affords, but after finishing with poly, i wax with a carnauba based wax that hardens as it dries.  Can't hurt

[KShip85]

Thanks for the replies all.  It is backed with quarter sawn maple so it's just the belly and sides I was worried about.

Blackhawk, I might give that a try next, but I need to increase my stash of 'sage before I can make much with it .

This has been a fun experimental bow.  Several firsts for me with it.  Working on the tiller right now, might post some pics later to get some help with it.


Kip