covering/sealing sinew backs

[jeffp51]

What are some ways to seal/ protect a sinew backing?  snakeskin is one, I know.  Are there any others?  What happens if you put tung oil or tru oil or polyeurethane on it?  The bow is juniper--if it makes it to being a bow.  the sinew has been curing for almost a month, and soon I will start working on it again.

[wizardgoat]

Tung oil or tru oil is fine, although it's a glossy finish

[mikekeswick]

Just remember that you can't totally 'seal' it,just slow down moisture transfer. Tung oil will work well.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Shellac is a great base coat under the tung oil or tru oil.

[PatM]

Birchbark with extra finish of choice on top of the bark.

[Pat B]

I've used Tru-Oil, poly and TBIII over sinew as a sealer and over snake skins covering sinew. I use satin poly over Tru-Oil to cut the shine of Tru-Oil.

[bubby]

Rawhide works great and is easy to paint designs on or stain

[bradsmith2010]

i have used sealer as mentioned above,, and I have painted with acrylic,, and then sprayed with poly,,I think painting gives you a very durable barrier,,,for example if you have tung oil as a finish on a bow,, in hard use,, it will need to be refreshed,, but a good paint job will last for years,,

[jeffp51]

I am trying to decide what will look "right" for the style.  I am not trying to make a replica bow, but the Utah juniper needs a finish that will compliment it properly.  If I were to paint something, it would be very minimal.  I love that birch bark--but it seems to be an eastern style.  I love the suggestions.  I still have some time to think. . .

[bradsmith2010]

well really hard to go wrong with a poly finish,, satin,,,still shows the beauty of the sinew and wood,, I have painted sinew a very neutral color as well,, just depends on how much bad weather you expect to use it in,, I hunted in the rain alot in texas,, so the look was secondary to keeping the sinew dry( i painted the whole bow so there was no seam for water to get in,,,,,but if I was just using in fair weather,,, I would go with what looked the best for sure,, i  just finished a bow for a friend,, and I used archival varnish for oil painting,, on the sinew,, whew that looked nice,, but I dont think it would hold up to bad weather,, it did have uv protection 

[Carson (CMB)]

I haven't tried it yet, but heavily smoking it, might do well for providing some moisture resistance in combination with another finish.

+1 for shellac as base coat over the sinew.

[JoJoDapyro]

How about beeswax and lard?

[crooketarrow]

  Wax is what I seal my personal bows with. I've also covered 3 sinewed bows with wax one with bear grease. What I like about wax every year I redo the wax. I have a new looking bow each time.

  I also once cover the sinew with cut turtle scales.
  LOOKED KINDA PRIMITIVE,LOOKED GOOD

[jeffp51]

I like the beeswax idea.  Also, what happens if you sand the stuff?  what grit should be used if it works?  My sinewing job is not as pretty as some I have seen here.  I am still new to much of this.

[JoJoDapyro]

I wouldn't sand it too much Jeff. Mine isn't smooth either. Maybe with time we will get there.  the stuff I made today seems to be pretty sweet. 3 parts olive oil one part wax. My hands are so smooth now. Lol