Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: mmattockx on August 25, 2020, 09:44:43 am
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As the title says, what do people use to take the gloss off of Helmsman Spar Varnish? As a related question, I seem to be getting fairly thick coats straight from the can. I am thinking of thinning some with turpentine to see if that gives me thinner coats. Any comments on that approach?
Thanks,
Mark
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A related question, how are you applying it? I've had trouble with varnish drying. I've never tried it on bows for that reason. I would thin it with something. Maybe use pumice or rottenstone, is it, to take the shine off.
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A related question, how are you applying it? I've had trouble with varnish drying. I've never tried it on bows for that reason. I would thin it with something. Maybe use pumice or rottenstone, is it, to take the shine off.
With a fine bristled brush, as the instructions suggest. It does stay kind of gummy for a few days but eventually dries. Living in Alberta probably helps that some... I am going to thin some 3 parts varnish to 1 turpentine and try it on the bow I am currently finishing. If that doesn't work I may switch to tung oil for the next one. I do like the amber tint that the varnish gives to maple, though.
Any suggestions for how to use the pumice? I was thinking of trying some of the fine scotchbrite but it will probably leave too many scratches.
Mark
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I've never actually used pumice except maybe in high school and that was too long ago to remember. I still have the table though :D I've just heard guys on here using it. Maybe do a test piece with different thinnesses.(wd?)
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I spray it out of the can and if I don't want it shiney I use the satin finish.
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Light buff with 0000 bronze wool or steel wool, pumice will also work, but lightly is the key. Using the satin spray works better, as Mullet said.
Hawkdancer
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I also use satin spray spar urethane with good results. Keep can 10”-12” away from bow. My bows are less glossy using this method.
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Weylin has a YouTube video of how to use truoil and he uses pumice on that to cut down shine. It's a good video, swiftwood bows is the name of the channel
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Weylin has a YouTube video of how to use truoil and he uses pumice on that to cut down shine. It's a good video, swiftwood bows is the name of the channel
ha, came here to tell him about that method. Pumice powder mixed with cooking oil is what I use.
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I second the pumice slurry in vegetable oil. It works really, really well.
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I spray it out of the can and if I don't want it shiney I use the satin finish.
I could only find the gloss in the can in Canada, no spray and no satin. I would have chose satin to start with if it had been an option when I was looking.
ha, came here to tell him about that method. Pumice powder mixed with cooking oil is what I use.
I will have a look at your video, this may be the answer for me.
Mark
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I use spray satin poly over Tru-Oil to cut the shine. I bet it would work over spar varnish but I'd do a test first.
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Dean Torges method is a couple of coats of spar varnish for maximum protection, then several coats of satin over the top to take off the shine.
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Gloss is apparently a harder and more elastic finish than satin. You can easily buff out the gloss with any micro-abrasive. Even toothpaste will work.
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I had no idea toothpaste was to versatile!
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I use Bon Ami natural cleaner. It's kinda like comet but with out the chemicals. It's basically the same thing as pumice powder but it's cheap and easy to find. You can use baking soda too for a finer polish that is closer to glossy
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I've never been concerned about shine, but I've never been able to sand out the brush/rag streaks left behind with the wipe on without sanding the finish completely off the corners, I usually sand the finish lightly with fine sandpaper. I'm considering switching to a soak-in finish, but helmsman works really well and I need a good finish in our 80% humidity summers.
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Thanks to all for the responses. I will be trying a few of the things mentioned.
One update, last night I looked at the label while I was putting coat #2 on and it turns out this is the satin finish varnish. I can't imagine how shiny the gloss version would be when used with the same methods I am using now...
Mark
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I've never been concerned about shine, but I've never been able to sand out the brush/rag streaks left behind with the wipe on without sanding the finish completely off the corners, I usually sand the finish lightly with fine sandpaper. I'm considering switching to a soak-in finish, but helmsman works really well and I need a good finish in our 80% humidity summers.
Simple answer :)
Tung oil - it has exceptional water resistance, is easy to apply a quick buff between coats with 0000 wire wool. No gloss and a lovely feel. Just remember to cut the first few coats 50/50 with white spirit and wipe off any excess before drying.
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Is this a coating or soak in varnish?
How many applications should I expect to need?
The humidity here can be 80-90% for weeks in summer, and sub 30% in winter.
How's boiled linseed oil? Can you put another finish on top of it if necessary? (I already have access to this stuff).
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I like BLO. you have to reapply it a good bit if you want a nice looking coat (that you can actually see in contrast to the wood) but if your just looking to waterproof it a little i would suggest BLO. But if you looking for a thick coat or a tru oil like thickness without the shine i would say dont use BLO because its really just oil that wont rot that your wood absorbs.