Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: zenmonkeyman on February 21, 2010, 03:56:22 pm

Title: Finish over rawhide
Post by: zenmonkeyman on February 21, 2010, 03:56:22 pm

Ok, I need to put a few finishing touches on my bow, but need some advice.  I have a highly-crowned sapling so I only put a narrow strip of rawhide to cover the top of the crown.  Now my problem is, what can I use to finish the rawhide that will also work with the hard sapwood that isn't covered?  I'd like to darken up the works for stealth reasons, but have no clue how to proceed.  I don't have snakeskins, and don't want to use them anyways, I'm trying to source all local materials.  A little help here?

(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j191/zenmonkeyman/IMG_3780c_1.jpg)

Title: Re: Finish over rawhide
Post by: El Destructo on February 21, 2010, 04:01:46 pm

Leather Dye will work on the Rawhide and the Bow...also Wood Stain will soak into the Rawhide to darken it...just takes a little longer to get the necessary color from it...Or...have you ever tried Spray Paint...and the Wipe it off...really makes the Grain of the Wood Pop...and works decent on Rawhide also

Title: Re: Finish over rawhide
Post by: zenmonkeyman on February 21, 2010, 04:17:09 pm

Thanks El D!  I was wondering about leather dye, but the spray paint idea bears some serious thought too...

Garett

Title: Re: Finish over rawhide
Post by: Pat B on February 21, 2010, 04:24:46 pm

Steve Parker(Hillbilly) has had good luck with Rit dye mixed with alcohol. That should work on the rawhide and wood.  Also you can get water based craft paint from wally world in many different colors. Works well for designs, etc.

Title: Re: Finish over rawhide
Post by: zenmonkeyman on February 21, 2010, 04:59:43 pm

Cool!  Thanks, Pat.

A follow-up question:  I'm thinking it would be a good idea to pretreat the wood and rawhide so they'd accept the finish evenly.  Would a sizing of hide glue or knox work?  Or would a commercial wood conditioner be a better idea?

Title: Re: Finish over rawhide
Post by: JW_Halverson on February 21, 2010, 05:04:37 pm

I've been doing rawhide backong over hackberry bows lately.  The rawhide takes wood stain rather nicely, but the hackberry is not very porous and really doesn't like oil stains.  So, I have been sanding the little bit of stain off the hackberry leaving that pale soft butter yellow to stand out against the darkened rawhide.  I kinda like the look.  I'll try to get someone to take a digital photo to show you.

Title: Re: Finish over rawhide
Post by: Pat B on February 21, 2010, 05:06:59 pm

You may not get the rawhide and wood to match color wise because they are two different materials. Maybe contrasting colors or complimentary colors.

Title: Re: Finish over rawhide
Post by: El Destructo on February 21, 2010, 05:23:54 pm

If you put Hide Glue over it...it will not take dye worth a ....well you know....the Hide Glue will not absorb dyes or Stains good...if at all.....JMHO

Title: Re: Finish over rawhide
Post by: medicinewheel on February 21, 2010, 05:30:57 pm

Quote from: JW_Halverson on February 21, 2010, 05:04:37 pm

...  I kinda like the look.  I'll try to get someone to take a digital photo to show you.

Yes, please!

I used wood stain on rawhide and TB3 as a sealer, wax on top of that. Works well!

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Title: Re: Finish over rawhide
Post by: JW_Halverson on February 21, 2010, 06:18:07 pm

Suh-WEET, love that bow, medicinewheel!

Title: Re: Finish over rawhide
Post by: zenmonkeyman on February 21, 2010, 06:48:24 pm

Thanks guys!  Appreciate the responses!  Frank that bow looks AWESOME!  JW, looking forward to that picture!

Garett