Ironwood selfbow decoration…

[darknite]

How do you guys decorate an ironwood selfbow? Paint/stain/decal/skin? I’m nearing that stage on my 1st HHB bow where a decision has to be made regarding how I want it to look. Ironwood has what is commonly referred to as a “muscled” back, suggesting it might be challenging to cover with a decal or skin. A totally white bow just seems like a clean slate begging for some artistry. At least my hickory bow has some cambium character to it.

[Ricardovanleeuwen]

maybe Back It with feathers and let the hairs follow the muscle?

[osage outlaw]

I've seen textured back bows that have been painted several different colors and then sanding through it in the high spots.  The result was a cool looking camo pattern.  I've never tried it, just seen it so take that for what it's worth.

[Pat B]

Hand rubbed with finely ground charcoal with oil or water. If you use water it will raise the grain so you'll have to lightly sand it to remove the stubble. This gives a nice, subtle coloration to a whitewood bow.

[bassman]

I have painted them,and sinew backed them, and added a cloth snake skin on the back. You can dark walnut stain them too. Just depends what you want.

[bradsmith2010]

creativity is infinite,,

[DC]

My creativity is infinitesimal

[PatM]

Just stain it with leather dye.

[Santanasaur]

I like leaving the cambium streaky and finishing with shellac or tru oil. Have also used leather dye which can look nice. Here's one I just finished up this week https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54f2R30cpOc&t=87s

[Hamish]

Santanasaur. Loved the video. Beautiful country side, great workshop(and drawknife collection) Bow turned out awesome, plenty of character. Keep up the good work

[bjrogg]

I’ve used snake skins plenty of times. The wet skins will lay down fine on the muscles. Just make sure you squeeze the access glue and air out. I’ve used prairie rattler, western diamond back, Texas broadband water snake and garner on HHB.
My favorite are Texas broadband ( search This is not big Al) and I really like garner( search A walk on the beach) Hopefully you can find them adding Bjrogg might help.

I’ve also used a airbrush, stencils and wood stain with some pretty cool results. Try searching (Deep Roots) and ( Sugar Shack).

Also (Leap Year) is a combination of skins and airbrush

Hope you can find some inspiration. Or at least the threads.

Bjrogg

[Weylin]

Fiebing's leather dye is my go to decoration on whitewoods.

[GlisGlis]

I love fish skins