Primitive wood sealer to finish a selfbow

[eastcreekarchery]

Hello everyone. Was wondering if anyone knew of a good primitive sealer for bows. I was going to use truoil finish but i thought my selfbow deserved something more traditional. Thanks!

[Hawkdancer]

Tallow and beeswax.
Hawkdancer

[George Tsoukalas]

Animal grease. I've used venison grease from cooking it. I got lucky.
Rub it on and slightly heat the bow.
I've also used bacon grease. I'm not sure I'd use it in bear country.
Jawge

[Santanasaur]

Drying oils like linseed or tung can build up a good finish but it takes a lot of patience. Shellac is easy and quick to apply and also traditional. I’ve also made varnish with pine resin and turpentine but that stayed tacky for days before the layers got hard

[Deerhunter21]

i like beeswax. if you have a good beeswax finish on a bow and you pour water on it there is no way that waters going to soak in on its own or get the wood wet. thats not to say that it wont if you rub the water in though. makes kindof a sticky finish though.

[burchett.donald]

  I use crystallized pine pitch, lard and bees wax mixture...1 part pitch, 1 part bees wax and 2 parts lard...Melt down and stir well on low heat and allow to cool...If it's not soft like paste wax I add more lard until I can wipe on...After application I use heat and rub in to the wood pores...Water beads up for a long time...Also use this mixture on sinew, rawhide and linen bow strings...You can play with the matrix for what works best for you...
                                                                                                      Don

[eastcreekarchery]

I think ill experiment with all of there suggestions. Ill be sure to let yall know what i use!

[Fox]

Lots of good advice..: I use beezwax, or Shalac

-Fox

[Yooper Bowyer]

These finishes bead water, but how well do they work against prolonged humidity?

[Hawkdancer]

I think if they are applied and maintained, they should work well!  Most were developed by primitive methods in a variety of climates!  Nothing will work if not maintained!
Hawkdancer