Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: BrokenArrow on November 18, 2014, 02:50:36 pm

Title: Rawhide back finishing
Post by: BrokenArrow on November 18, 2014, 02:50:36 pm

Suggestions for how to finish rawhide on an osage bow? Rawhide is white in color

Title: Re: Rawhide back finishing
Post by: Pat B on November 18, 2014, 03:19:31 pm

This was done with a dry sponge and leather dye. I used 2 colors and just blotted it on the rawhide back.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/CadesFARMHAND008_zps09793d2f.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/CadesFARMHAND008_zps09793d2f.jpg.html)

this is another I did the same...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/outgoingTGtradebow2014005_zpsf7d7d6fc.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/outgoingTGtradebow2014005_zpsf7d7d6fc.jpg.html)

I drew stick figures in two hunting scenes of this one...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/TGtradebowdoneb2012002.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/TGtradebowdoneb2012002.jpg.html)

This one I used acrylic craft paint...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/MasseyMedicineBow004.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/MasseyMedicineBow004.jpg.html)

Rawhide backing is like an artists canvas, you can use all sorts of decorations and your imagination to come up with something cool.

Title: Re: Rawhide back finishing
Post by: aaron on November 18, 2014, 04:00:17 pm

I am about to post one I dyed with vinegar and steel wool- stay tuned...

Title: Re: Rawhide back finishing
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on November 18, 2014, 04:05:29 pm

Rawhide will take Minwax stain well. Lots of options.

Title: Re: Rawhide back finishing
Post by: bubby on November 18, 2014, 04:19:28 pm

I always liked the one with the cave art o. It pat, I've done the same as pat but used a bunched up plastic bag instead if a sponge, u can also use feathers to apply the dye and get a neet effect

Title: Re: Rawhide back finishing
Post by: RBLusthaus on November 18, 2014, 06:04:12 pm

I use alcohol leather dye on raw hide.  It soaks it up blotchy, which I think looks good -  like camo.    Tru oil over all to seal.

Russ 

Title: Re: Rawhide back finishing
Post by: Springbuck on November 18, 2014, 07:25:17 pm

  I second the alcohol based leather dyes.  I also like Dean Torges method  from TBB articles about fading from one color to another.  Works on boring white wood, as well.

Title: Re: Rawhide back finishing
Post by: Pat B on November 18, 2014, 08:50:17 pm

You can make your own dye by adding Rit cloths dye to alcohol. I think unsweetened Kool-Aid works with alcohol too.

Title: Re: Rawhide back finishing
Post by: Carson (CMB) on November 18, 2014, 10:23:22 pm

I prefer water based dyes only because I tend to use shellac as a finish or at least a basecoat.  Shellac, dissolved in alcohol will bleed alcohol based stains.  Bleeding effect can be cool, just not something you want to find out unintentionally.