Snakeskin and TB III

[Josh]

I am putting Copperheads on my osage bow and I sized the back with TiteBond III first to put up a moisture barrier.  I put the glue on  last night and when I checked it tonight the glue was dry to the touch but it dried splotchy white in areas.  I am just wondering if this is going to show up through the skins, they are kinda thin.  If so, I am going to just scrape the glue off and start over without sizing before the skins.  What would you do?  Also, how long after applying the skins over the pre-sized back of the bow do I have to wait to apply the tru oil?  Is 24 hours sufficient? Thanks for the help.   

[adb]

When applying SSs, I also use TB3, but I don't do a "sizing" layer first. Apply a thin layer of glue to both surfaces, and away you go. And yes, the color under the skins will make a difference.

[FlintWalker]

When applying SSs, I also use TB3, but I don't do a "sizing" layer first. Apply a thin layer of glue to both surfaces, and away you go. And yes, the color under the skins will make a difference.

 
 What he said

[Pappy]

What adb said is how I do it.Except I only put a layer on the limb not on the skin.I just make sure I have the limb completely covered.
   Pappy

[DanaM]

What they said, and I'd keep the bow in the hot box for a few days before sealing it.
If you use hide glue then you need to size the bow first.

[Josh]

thanks guys... I am going to sand some of the whitness of the TB off and glue the skins down.. I just hope the glue doesnt turn that white color underneath the skins after the skins dry...      

[gutpile]

I size bow and apply glue to skins...the whiteness which is more yellowish will give the skins a pop in color....a dark backing will dull the skins and you loose too much of the pop....the color contrast goes way down with a dark backing....especially with copperheads.......gut

[Josh]

I gave it an extra day and the whiteness of the glue went away!  I guess it wasn't fully dry yet because of all the rain we were having.  I am going to glue the skins on tonight.  Thanks for all the help guys.   

[Justin Snyder]

I size bow and apply glue to skins...the whiteness which is more yellowish will give the skins a pop in color....a dark backing will dull the skins and you loose too much of the pop....the color contrast goes way down with a dark backing....especially with copperheads.......gut

I actually like a dark background, I think it gives a richer color. This just goes to show that there is no right or wrong, only personal preference.