Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: hessian on September 09, 2020, 01:43:32 PM

Title: Bow finish
Post by: hessian on September 09, 2020, 01:43:32 PM

Good afternoon everyone,

My Browning Explorer has some issues in the finish that I want to fix. I believe it’s only in the clear as the glass looks fine. I’m not looking to restore this ol girl, just to clean it up. I’m open to painting it myself if I knew what products to use. I’d appreciate all opinions.

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Orion on September 09, 2020, 07:59:40 PM

If you don't want to spot refinish, might try some Birchwood-Casey gun stock conditioner.  It's basically a rubbing compound imbedded in a wax formula.  Should remove some of the surface crud and put a sheen on what is underneath. 

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: hessian on September 09, 2020, 09:47:16 PM

Thanks for the tip, I’m going to look into that.

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Roy from Pa on September 10, 2020, 08:41:40 AM

Can some of you glass guys help this man out please?

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Crooked Stic on September 10, 2020, 03:19:27 PM

Show us a pic. If the finish is checking all the way thru then you need to remove it and put on new.

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Roy from Pa on September 10, 2020, 03:37:09 PM

There is a picture in his first post, Mike.

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Mad Max on September 10, 2020, 07:01:59 PM

This may be more helpful, Lots of guy's refinishing bows :thumbsup:
http://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?board=10.0

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Crooked Stic on September 10, 2020, 07:28:04 PM

Okay missed that thanks.
Looks like you need to get the old finish off and redo the whole thing. Looks like it is the finish only. You will know for sure after you remove it. I would start in that spot in the pic.

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: hessian on September 11, 2020, 10:45:01 AM

Thank you everyone! Can you please suggest what to use to remove the old finish? Is standard wet paper alright, if so what grit do you recommend? Thanks again!

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Roy from Pa on September 12, 2020, 05:32:30 AM

Probably start with 220 grit then finer to finish.

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Crooked Stic on September 12, 2020, 08:21:24 AM

Depends on how thick the finish is. you may try acetone to see if that will loosen the finish a bit. If its thick 180 might be quicker then 220 to finish. Good quality paper makes it lots easier.

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: hessian on September 12, 2020, 09:50:11 AM

Thanks for all the input everyone ! Once the finish is sanded, what should I use for the new finish? A rattle can clear in satin or semi gloss ok?

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: buckeyebowhunter on September 15, 2020, 09:53:31 PM

Do you have access to a spray gun?  If so I would refinish it with Krystal. You can get a pint kit from big Jim for around $30. Which is enough to do several bows. But in my opinion it's far superior to any rattle can finish. And maybe you could re finish some more bows.

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Roy from Pa on September 16, 2020, 08:00:08 AM

 :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Shredd on September 16, 2020, 10:55:15 AM

I would start with 120 and go down to finer grits like 220 or 300 to finish...  Unless you like sanding then start off with 220...   ;)  :laugh:

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: hessian on September 25, 2020, 10:46:13 PM

Thanks for all the advise everyone. I’m really happy with how well it came out. I ended up sanding the clear off with 400,600 and finally 1200 wet paper. Took care to mask the side of the limbs and especially around the Browning label. 3 coats of Rustoleum x2 espresso in satin and 4 coats of rustoleum 2x clear in matte. Here’s the before and after pics!

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Mad Max on September 26, 2020, 12:13:25 AM

 :o Nice job

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Roy from Pa on September 26, 2020, 07:58:47 AM

That came out very nice. ^5 :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: bucknut on September 26, 2020, 08:34:23 AM

Looks really good!

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: hessian on September 26, 2020, 09:52:32 AM

Thanks everyone, I’m really happy with the outcome.

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Mad Max on September 26, 2020, 10:04:40 AM

how long did it take you to sand the whole bow?

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: hessian on September 26, 2020, 11:27:35 AM

Mad Max- I don't recall exactly, but it wasn't bad at all maybe an hour or two? I used the 400 on the areas where the original clear had flaked and then the finer grits to feather the surface out until i couldn't feel any difference. I did use water with the paper to help keeping the finer grits from clogging.

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: ztontonz on September 26, 2020, 02:14:00 PM

Well done. Look brand new !

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Mad Max on September 26, 2020, 02:53:55 PM

 :thumbsup: :bigsmyl:

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: jess stuart on September 26, 2020, 03:39:16 PM

WOW!  That turned out great very nice job

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: Garman on September 26, 2020, 07:16:40 PM

Very nice, I have an old bear I need to do.

Title: Re: Bow finish
Post by: kennym on September 27, 2020, 11:23:45 AM

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: