Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: 4giveme on July 23, 2014, 04:51:36 pm

Title: How to seal a bow?
Post by: 4giveme on July 23, 2014, 04:51:36 pm

Hi all,
I was wondering if I could seal a bow using hide glue, instead of polyurethane or some other paint or commercial glue. I would think that the hide glue would protect the bow from a rapid exchange of moisture in the same way. Not only that, I think it would protect the bow while working on it after I have chased a ring. Has anyone tried it, and what was the result?
God Bless,
Tommy

Title: Re: How to seal a bow?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on July 23, 2014, 04:55:18 pm

Being a water based glue, Id guess it would dissolve right off the bow in short order.

Title: Re: How to seal a bow?
Post by: Pat B on July 23, 2014, 04:57:37 pm

Hide glue is probably more hygroscopic than the wood. There are other natural sealants like animal fat, pine pitch or bees wax that would work better.

Title: Re: How to seal a bow?
Post by: Oglala Bowyer on July 23, 2014, 06:14:21 pm

Funny my hide glue stirring stick is caked with hide glue and I've not yet had any success washing it off. I imagine if you submerged your bow for days on end than it would come off. Try it.

Title: Re: How to seal a bow?
Post by: Will H on July 23, 2014, 06:25:56 pm

Oglala, I don't think it's a matter of the glue coming off as it is it's hydroscipic nature. In sealing a bow we are trying to slow the rate in which our bows gather moisture. I'm with Pat, I don't think it's a good idea. IMO going with a wax finish is a great "natural" finish.

Title: Re: How to seal a bow?
Post by: TRACY on July 23, 2014, 07:21:21 pm

Tru oil


Tracy