How do I safely remove this messy clear coat someone applied to my bear grizzly and reapply a new finish that will last and look good?
I use 0000 steel wool and then spray with helmsman spar urethane works well for me
Ok i will look into that thanks. Is it not safe to apply some kind of thinner then?
There's a bunch of options out there for finish, (and most are by much more experienced bowmen than myself). Truth be told, I aim for simple options because I lack a lot of skill. I agree on the steel wool to remove the old finish, works great and you can't accidentally over do it very easily. For finish I have settled on Tung Oil. It's a glossy finish, but that's what I like. I picked some up at Home Depot for around $20 and it lasts a long time. I wipe on a coat, hang for 24 hours, and repeat for 3 or 4 days. Its a very tough finish, water proof, scratch resistant, and sharp looking. I've done 4 or 5 bows with the one can and still have enough for as many more bows. It wipes on so it's easy to apply without streaks and won't flake or peel. Just my experience, and like I said - whatever other people tell you is just as (or even more!) better options.
Thanks guys I'm working with the steel wool now it's coming off every so little but it works so thanks for that tip. I'm curious to see what's under this mess. Whoever put the coat on it didn't know what the where doing or probably sprayed it on it has lots of runs
I have used 220 and 400 to 800 grit sand paper or scotch brite pads to clean a bow up then polish it with automotive scratch remover. You don't have to replace the stickers that way. The results will surprise you. I actually did this to my Griz also and it came out very nice.
It's taking some time but I can tell already it's gonna be worth it!!!!
It's taking some time but I can tell already it's gonna be worth it!!!! Seems like it had at least 3 coats on it so far the top limb back riser are down to bare glass I haven't touched the wood yet but its feeling smooth!! I'll be glad when it's ready to coat the right way or at least better than it was!!
It's taking some time but I can tell already it's gonna be worth it!!!! Seems like it had at least 3 coats on it so far the top limb back riser are down to bare glass I haven't touched the wood yet but its feeling smooth!! I'll be glad when it's ready to coat the right way or at least better than it was!!
I use Formby's paint and poly remover and scrape the old finish off. Much quicker, and less labor intensive than steel wool.I like TruOil for a finish. You can leave it gloss, or rub in some mineral oil with #0000 steel wool for a nice satin finish.
So the paint remover want hurt the bow then?
No. I have only used Formby's. I can't speak on other brands, but I am sure any of them would be safe.
Just my opinion, but I would avoid paint removers/strippers. It might be quicker, but I wouldn't want to risk it softening the glue in the laminations.
I thought the same so I just went with the steel wool 000 and I'm almost done now time to do the riser!!! Thanks
I thought the same so I just went with the steel wool 000 and I'm almost done now time to do the riser!!! Thanks
(//%5Burl=http://s776.photobucket.com/user/jjones1142/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160320_201920_zpsksexc7fp.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy42/jjones1142/Mobile%20Uploads/20160320_201920_zpsksexc7fp.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
Sanded and added a thin coat of min wax (//%5Burl=http://s776.photobucket.com/user/jjones1142/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160320_201936_zpsc1iebvqs.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy42/jjones1142/Mobile%20Uploads/20160320_201936_zpsc1iebvqs.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
(//%5Burl=http://s776.photobucket.com/user/jjones1142/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160320_202043_zpseubsw4uo.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy42/jjones1142/Mobile%20Uploads/20160320_202043_zpseubsw4uo.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
(//%5Burl=http://s776.photobucket.com/user/jjones1142/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160320_202033_zps5sdtnl79.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy42/jjones1142/Mobile%20Uploads/20160320_202033_zps5sdtnl79.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
(//%5Burl=http://s776.photobucket.com/user/jjones1142/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160320_201953_zpsqxdzqtkd.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy42/jjones1142/Mobile%20Uploads/20160320_201953_zpsqxdzqtkd.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
Looks and feels better imo!!!! I also got the limb twist out of the bottom limb thanks to some great advice. This bow is a great shooter and the looks make it even better. Not sure what else to do now I thought about adding another light coat of min wax and a poly coat of some sort but don't know if it's a good idea or not.
Taking a strait razor blade and curving the spine a little to make a mini scraper is a great way to get the finish off of the 1970's era Bears. The finish they used then was extremely hard. The Super Kodiak I refinished took a ton of time to get the finish off as compared to the 1950's Bear recurves. I wished I knew the razor blade trick before spending all the elbow grease time on this Super K. I used wipe on polyurethane for my finishes.
Here's a before and after of my Super K
after with Berger Button hole filed:
(http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/1971SuperKrefinishedsideview.jpg) (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/1971SuperKrefinishedsideview.jpg.html)
Before. Note the yellowed finish:
(http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/1971SuperKodiak.jpg) (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/1971SuperKodiak.jpg.html)
Nicely done (on both bows)
Great job with the decals okie.