Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Black Moshannon on November 22, 2020, 04:34:40 pm
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My buddy just finished up his first bow, a sinewed Osage. Any recommendations for a finish on sinew? Were thinking tung oil. I was also thinking shellac might work over the sinew
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I've used Tru-Oil on all the sinewed bows I've built. I've always considered tung oil as a penetrating oil but I've never tried it over sinew.
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Agree with Pat. I've only made a few sinew backed bows and Tru-Oil has worked well for me.
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spray poly, works ok,, sometimes I paint mine and then spray poly on that, acrylic works good,,I have used clear heavy gel medium,, and then spray poly over that,, a penetrating oil,I dont use,, but dont have experience with that,,
I have sprayed poly, then painted with acrylic, and then sprayed again,,
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Ok thanks for the recommendations. Believe I’m going to start using Tru oil on my all wood bows as well.
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Don't, stick with Tung Oil. Tru oil is a pretty weak finish with not great water resistance. Tung oil is superior in every respect. A few coats of shellac would also be a better, more water resistant finish than tru oil....
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my choice would be shellac for the first 3 layers, then you could change if you like ...
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Epoxy acetone, far superior than any other sealer.
Jay Massey mentioned in his book that he made a sinew backed hickory bow that was his primary hunting bow in Alaska. He lost it in a river during a float trip, found it a month later an it was still intact and shootable, sinew and all. His finish was epoxy acetone which became known as the Massey finish. I had never heard of this finish mentioned anywhere before I read his book.