Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Kegan on February 19, 2009, 05:44:09 pm

Title: Removing finsih to redo a bow
Post by: Kegan on February 19, 2009, 05:44:09 pm

I want to fix a bow up, but it's got three coats of spar urethane on it. It's backed with cotton.

What can I do to remove it, orrrrrr should I just remove wood from where it needs remove and refinish the spots that become exposed?

Title: Re: Removing finsih to redo a bow
Post by: Jesse on February 19, 2009, 08:43:13 pm

Ive removed finish with acetone but not sure if it was spar urethane. I know it will take off lacquer fast. 

Title: Re: Removing finsih to redo a bow
Post by: ricktrojanowski on February 19, 2009, 09:41:52 pm

Any time I removed a finish.  I started out with light scraping to get the bulk of the finish off.  Then sand to get the remainder off, and finally wipe with some acetone to get any leftover oils off.

Title: Re: Removing finsih to redo a bow
Post by: Lost Arra on February 19, 2009, 11:44:53 pm

I've done plan B.  Remove only what needs to be redone and go from there.

Title: Re: Removing finsih to redo a bow
Post by: Pat B on February 20, 2009, 12:54:55 am

With Tru-Oil I have done like Rick mentioned.

Title: Re: Removing finsih to redo a bow
Post by: Pappy on February 20, 2009, 07:57:56 am

I also do it like Rick.Just be easy and you won't hurt the back. :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: Removing finsih to redo a bow
Post by: GregB on February 20, 2009, 08:34:45 am

Rick's process sounds like a good approach to me... :)

Title: Re: Removing finsih to redo a bow
Post by: Kegan on February 20, 2009, 09:24:12 am

Thanks guys :). I'm still "planning my attack". Most of the bow is in fine order, except for the tips and a little belly work. Rest would be superficial. I'll see if we have some acetone, if not I'll try a test on a scrap to see if subsequent coats of spar urethane on top of old coats next to uncovered wood shows up as a hideous, splotchy mess.

Title: Re: Removing finsih to redo a bow
Post by: ricktrojanowski on February 20, 2009, 08:24:48 pm

Kegan
If you do "spot fix" the finish make sure you scuff any of the old finish before applying a new finish over it.  Just sand it lightly with 220 or a scotch pad.  This will help the new finish adhere to the old finish.

Title: Re: Removing finsih to redo a bow
Post by: Kegan on February 21, 2009, 10:58:53 am

Thanks :). I got it piked, redid the handle, heated the limbs into a R/D shape, and got new overlays and handle leather build-up on. The finish isn't giving me as much toruble (I removed most, up to the backing) as the darn overlays :-X!