Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: bushboy on March 09, 2014, 08:31:18 pm

Title: bow finishes?
Post by: bushboy on March 09, 2014, 08:31:18 pm

Hello all,what I can gather from a search is most are made from a mixture of boiled linseed oil,oil based varnish and turpentine.wondering if anyone mixes their own and what proportions are used?thx's!

Title: Re: bow finishes?
Post by: DavidV on March 09, 2014, 08:47:40 pm

I've used 1 part boiled linseed oil, 1 part polyurethane, and 1 part denatured alcohol I beleive .

Title: Re: bow finishes?
Post by: Tom Kurth on March 09, 2014, 09:29:18 pm

A typical home-made wiping varnish will use one part drying oil such as boiled linseed oil, one part of some sort of resin based finish like polyurethane, and one part thinner, either mineral spirits or turpentine. To my knowledge, denatured alcohol would not be appropriate as it is not a thinner for either the oil or the varnish. Denatured alcohol is usually the thinner/cleaner/base for shellac.

Best,
Tom

Title: Re: bow finishes?
Post by: DavidV on March 09, 2014, 09:51:35 pm

Tom, you're right it's been a while since I've used it.

Title: Re: bow finishes?
Post by: mikekeswick on March 10, 2014, 04:06:42 am

Tung oil and linseed oil is a great mix. Add either white spirit or turps to the first coat or two.