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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: myshootinstinks on January 12, 2015, 08:23:00 AM

Title: Best finish to use without spray equipment?
Post by: myshootinstinks on January 12, 2015, 08:23:00 AM

I've finished cleaning up a set of Bear TD limbs down to the bare glass.  Wipe-on poly from Min-wax is easy to use but I've noticed it yellows after a year or so.
    I do not have spray equipment.  What's the best product you've found given that limitation? Something in a spray can or that can be applied by hand.

Title: Re: Best finish to use without spray equipment?
Post by: SteveD on January 12, 2015, 11:43:00 AM

I use Minwax spar urethane in a spray can. I used it on many bows.

Title: Re: Best finish to use without spray equipment?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on January 12, 2015, 12:22:00 PM

Hard to beat Helmsman for durability and protection. If you hold the clear satin can 12-14" away from your bow on the last 2 coats, it will have a frosted finish that looks professional. I highly suggest it.

Title: Re: Best finish to use without spray equipment?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on January 12, 2015, 12:24:00 PM

One more thing, if the wood is the oily South American types, wipe a coat of shellac on first. The Helmsman will dry in a few hours. If you don't give it a coat of shellac, the oils will prevent the poly from drying for days and days.

Title: Re: Best finish to use without spray equipment?
Post by: myshootinstinks on January 12, 2015, 04:03:00 PM

Thanks. I'll try those products. No tropical woods on the limbs, just the "future-wood" Bear uses on the TDs.

Title: Re: Best finish to use without spray equipment?
Post by: Bow man on January 14, 2015, 11:38:00 AM

There are many with the same issue as you and they are brushing on Thunderbird Epoxy with now issues

Title: Re: Best finish to use without spray equipment?
Post by: Wolftrail on January 14, 2015, 06:07:00 PM

I use a Varathane product called Premium Diamond Wood Finish - Spray water base - fast drying - outdoor gloss finish. Once its cured it makes a very hard finish.

Title: Re: Best finish to use without spray equipment?
Post by: eflanders on January 20, 2015, 10:12:00 AM

Sorry if I'm late for the finishing party here but personally I'm a big fan of using a Birchwood Casey gun stock finish product called Tru-Oil.  I just rub on coats with my fingers and it builds to a nice glossy finish that can easily be dulled with a few strokes of steel wool. Its easy to use, extremely durable and readily available at most sporting goods stores or online.  Another product I use is a spray can of quick drying clear enamel.  I use this to quickly cover any writing or special decorations.  It dries clear and very quickly to protect the writing.  Then I finish the rest with the Tru-Oil.