Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: CrazyHorse1969 on February 28, 2015, 06:34:43 pm

Title: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: CrazyHorse1969 on February 28, 2015, 06:34:43 pm
What are the steps to finishing a hunting bow (in this case Black Locust) with Tru-Oil without ending up with a glossy finish? I normally use several coats of Tru-Oil then finish with Johnson Past Wax, but I end up with a glossy finish.

Or, I am open to other finishing suggestions, particularly ones that have less to with aesthetics and more to do with treating/hardening the wood for the long haul.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: osage outlaw on February 28, 2015, 06:51:58 pm
You can put a coat of spray satin poly on the bow after Tru oil.  It cuts down on the shine.  My hunting bow was finished with several coats of spray poly and a coat of TB3.  It's been a good no gloss finish that repels water. 
Title: Re: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: Aaron H on February 28, 2015, 06:59:31 pm
You could always just buff the Tru oil with like a pumice stone powder to get a dull finish
Title: Re: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: CrazyHorse1969 on February 28, 2015, 07:12:09 pm
You can put a coat of spray satin poly on the bow after Tru oil.  It cuts down on the shine.  My hunting bow was finished with several coats of spray poly and a coat of TB3.  It's been a good no gloss finish that repels water.

So skip the Paste Wax? Or, use the spray satin poly after the Tru-Oil then the Paste Wax after the spray satin poly? Thanks.
Title: Re: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: osage outlaw on February 28, 2015, 07:17:28 pm
I didn't use any paste wax
Title: Re: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: Gordon on February 28, 2015, 07:18:30 pm
I demonstrate a way to create a stain finish with tru-oil in the following build-a-long, page 13

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,3895.180.html (http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,3895.180.html)
Title: Re: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 28, 2015, 07:20:05 pm
Its easier to just use the satin rattle can right from start. Not that spraying over tru oil is a problem. But Tru Oil is meant to highlight grain and such, when you dull it down that's gone. May as well just spray on 3-4 coats and be done wittit.
Title: Re: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: CrazyHorse1969 on February 28, 2015, 08:46:41 pm
I demonstrate a way to create a stain finish with tru-oil in the following build-a-long, page 13

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,3895.180.html (http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,3895.180.html)

Thanks. I will take a look.
Title: Re: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: CrazyHorse1969 on February 28, 2015, 08:50:59 pm
Its easier to just use the satin rattle can right from start. Not that spraying over tru oil is a problem. But Tru Oil is meant to highlight grain and such, when you dull it down that's gone. May as well just spray on 3-4 coats and be done wittit.

Got it. Thanks, Pearl Drums. What is your preferred method?

By the way, I put the Osage bow I made from the stave I picked up from you to the test last deer season. I did not get a shot at a deer, but I put a lot of hunting time in, which was, of course, the whole point.
Title: Re: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 28, 2015, 09:31:34 pm
150 grit - 220 grit - 0000 steel wool, hold it up to the light to check for any tool marks and then 3-4 coats. One every 2 hours. Its dry in 8-10 hours. I highly suggest Helmsman clear satin in the green colored can. If you want a real cool look, add a fifth quick, light coat from about 12-14" away, it looks frosted.


Glad you enjoyed the stave/bow, and got out with it. Keep at it and you will watch an arrow slide through a rib cage!
Title: Re: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: CrazyHorse1969 on February 28, 2015, 09:48:15 pm
150 grit - 220 grit - 0000 steel wool, hold it up to the light to check for any tool marks and then 3-4 coats. One every 2 hours. Its dry in 8-10 hours. I highly suggest Helmsman clear satin in the green colored can. If you want a real cool look, add a fifth quick, light coat from about 12-14" away, it looks frosted.


Glad you enjoyed the stave/bow, and got out with it. Keep at it and you will watch an arrow slide through a rib cage!

So, to be clear, sand as mentioned, then 3-4 coats Tru-Oil as mentioned, then Helmsman clear satin as mentioned...

I did shoot a rabbit with the bow! I ate it in a stew with sweet potatoes.
Title: Re: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: lebhuntfish on February 28, 2015, 09:51:51 pm
Check out my post on this thread. Plus there is several ways to finish up a bow in this post. Patrick

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,50644.0.html
Title: Re: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: CrazyHorse1969 on February 28, 2015, 09:54:12 pm
Will do. Thanks.
Title: Re: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: CrazyHorse1969 on February 28, 2015, 11:10:14 pm
Its easier to just use the satin rattle can right from start. Not that spraying over tru oil is a problem. But Tru Oil is meant to highlight grain and such, when you dull it down that's gone. May as well just spray on 3-4 coats and be done wittit.

I misread what you were saying below! Now I get it. Just use the Helmsman Spar Urethane, Satin Finish.
Title: Re: Tru-Oil without a glossy finish???
Post by: Badly Bent on February 28, 2015, 11:53:54 pm
I don't care for the high gloss look either. I started using Gordons method since I first his build along a couple years ago, makes a nice looking satin finish.