Stain and tip overlays

[Loope]

I am making some hickory bows and will be dyeing/staining the wood.  How do you guys keep from getting dye in the tip overlays?  On previous bows, I just tried to be very careful while applying dye so that it didn't get on the overlays.  Would it work better to try to seal the overlays with something before putting dye on the hickory?  I have a variety of overlay material, and am using either purpleheart or bocote on these bows.

Thanks,

Michael

[Danzn Bar]

Good question ..........I've wondered the same on my hickory bows. 
DBar

[osage outlaw]

Use black horn     

[jeffp51]

I have the same kind of project going now.  Hickory bow with purpleheart overlays.  We stained just the root (middle) of the bow, fading the stain out to about mid limb top and bottom.  then we (my son and I) are finishing the whole thing with tung oil.  It has a very striking look to it, and the tips retain their contrast with the rest of the bow.

[Pat B]

You could seal the overlays before you stain the bow then remove the sealer if it got stained too or stain the bow before adding the overlays. Make your mating surfaces first, stain, re-sand the mating surfaces and glue the overlays down. 

[missilemaster]

I just try no to get any on the overlays but I always do. After the stain dries I just re-sand the overlays.

[finefirewood]

I ran into the same issue as well, and solved it by sealing the overlays, then taping them off when I apply the stain. When applying the stain, I use a very small brush to sneak up on the glue line of the overlays. Kinda double protection with the sealer and tape.

Hope that helps.

FF

[tattoo dave]

Or just use a fine artist's brush to apply it around the overlay.

Dave 

[PEARL DRUMS]

I use painters tape. Works just dandy and wont bleed. Rip it off when your done and seal it complete.

[Springbuck]

I tiller the bow with tied on nocks, or with a tillering string with cups on the ends instead of notvhes, or I only cut side notches.  Then stain or dye the bow, glue on nocks, and finish.

[Vgo750]

I do the same as Pearl Drums...Painters tape.

[Loope]

The overlays are already glued on and shaped, so some suggestions I can't do.  I will try the painter's tape, then be careful, and then when I still get some on the overlay I will sand it off;)  I had not thought of the tape or the sanding touch-up.  Thanks guys!

[medicinewheel]

I've used masking tape, too.

@Loope: Purple heart is the worst overlay material I can think of; year rings must be perpendicular to the bow back. But better not at all. The only wood that ever splintered while unbracing (edged grain); string  got stuck,  belly lam fretted.