I'm refinishing/refurbishing a few late 50's Bears and was wondering how you pros get rid of the stress cracks. Or more to the point, how do you make it look like they're not there?
I've seen before and after pics. If you're not divulging trade secrets or anything I'd like to know :) I have a '60 Polar that I picked up on the cheap (real cheap) but it has one unsightly crack I'd like to hide...
How about tinting some poly or other finishto match, flooding the surface, letting it soak in and then clean off the excess on the surface?
TTT, because inquiring minds want to know! Shawn
I've heard - but not tried yet myself - that thin CA spread over the surface with your finger, then sanded smooth before the finish coat is applied will fill and hide the stress cracks.
I've got one old bow I'm going to try it on this winter if I can ever get in the shop. If you try it let us know how it works out.
I have found in the bows I have refinished that the stress cracks are mostly in the existing finish. So I carefull remove it, especially over any lettering. I use 00 fine steelwool and wet sand in the sink, Start with 320 or 400, then to 600 or 700, then to 1000 and on to 1500. Always sand lightly and if you cant decide how course use the lighter grit. Stop often and inspect what u have done. Wet sanding with give you a better visual aid in inspection also. But in no way em I telling you what to do to your bow. This is only how I do mine. Good luck, use patience and enjoy what you achieve.
Danny J
Look up Droptine59, he is very experienced at the older bows. He is a member here.
The real bowdoc, Don Ward, here on Tradgang. Absolutely the best in the finish business, in my humble opinion. A meticulous craftsman and genuinely kind soul, you'll find none better, and few his equal. Give him a call and you'll learn volumes.
Mr Ward, I dont think you'll find anyone nicer or more willing to do what he can to help you.
Bowdoc has a way of matching colors. I think told me once that he used crayons, but give him a call & tell him Doc Tari sent you :D
Crayons?! I wouldn't have thought of that! Time to go raid my niece's crayola box... :D
if the marks are across the back of the bow but not on the belly just after the fade out of the riser. The coating you are using is to hard, you need a coating with a high content of plastersizer. I have used electrical circuit board lacquer in the passed and found it works well, good luck.
Old dog.