Trad Gang
Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: longrifle on March 03, 2015, 08:57:00 PM
-
Just wondering if you guys have any tips on making your bows glossy with a smooth finish job. I'm using gloss Tbird finish and want the Hill style longbow I made to have a gloss finish. Do you spray laying flat or hanging them up? If laying flat when you do other side how do you avoid overspray?
-
I hang the bows I spray.
James
-
How do you get enough material on without runs?
-
Light to medium coats wont run. Spray 4 or five coats let it cure a week then buff it out with rubbing compound and it will shine like the sun.
-
Where do you get the compound from?
-
Auto parts, hardware store, home depot, lowes, etc.. You will want a fine grit..
-
Pumice is what I use.
-
Is it a paste or powder?
-
If it is sprayed right it won't need any buffing same as an automotive clear coat.
-
Slow and steady spraying. What we call 1 coats is actually 4 or 5 light to medium coats sprayed about 5 to 10 minutes apart. Also for a good smooth gloss finish I recommend a 1.0 nozzle
-
David do you let it tack up before applying the next coat?
-
I use 3m rubbing compound it is liquid. To get a higher gloss than just a spray coat than a rubbing compound works real good. I agree that you dont need a hight gloss but it sure helps make it shine. I forgot to mention I use wet dry sand paper before buffing. I start with 400 or 600, then 800 then buff.
Bow Man is correct a coat is several light coats equal one coat. For a takedown bow I weigh up 25 or 30 grams of material and apply several coats until it is gone, then repaet after a few hours.
-
Thanks everyone.
-
Originally posted by longrifle:
David do you let it tack up before applying the next coat?
Gerald Terry is right on with that. Give us a call and I will talk you through it on time frame if you have more questions . 517-617-3658
-
Thanks David I did as you said and sprayed then waited 10 minutes then sprayed again and it came out much smoother, thought I was done but found one small run and I'm going to let it cure fully then try to sand then buff it out.
-
We are always here to answer questions any one can call anytime!!!