Pitch over sinew?

[stuckinthemud]

Just a random thought that hit me, I know sinew can be protected by many different coverings, has anybody used a pitch/pine tar type of moisture barrier or are they inflexible/prone to cracking?

[superdav95]

I think it would be a mess but I’m sure it can be done.  The pine pitch arrow hefting glue I use for my primitive arrow points are also wrapped with sinew and combine well. Only thing is that the hefting glue can be brittle depending on mixture.  What about a shellack or something like that to cover?   

[Pat B]

I use pine varnish, hard, brittle pitch dissolved in alcohol over sinew wraps on arrows but not on bows. I guess if you made true varnish with a solvent, an oil and the pitch it could be done. The oil would soften it up enough to allow constant bending, make it more flexible. I think hand rubbed fat(bear, deer, etc.) heated and mixed with pitch would be a better option but it would only be water repellent and not water proof.