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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Burnsie on June 12, 2025, 05:50:12 PM

Title: Staining/Coloring the edges of limb cores.
Post by: Burnsie on June 12, 2025, 05:50:12 PM
I've always thought about building, or having built, an "all" black bow. I think the right style of bow would look real sleek and slick being all black. Black glass, black G10 riser, black tips - but you would always end up with the contrast of the edges of whatever limb core material you used. Would there be any good process to stain or color the core edges (maple, bamboo) before spraying on the finish?
Title: Re: Staining/Coloring the edges of limb cores.
Post by: Kirkll on June 12, 2025, 07:38:06 PM
Have done all different types of stain, and even painted the edges...... the only issue is being careful no to get any on the belly or back glass. If you do it needs to be sanded lightly with 320 grit paper before finishing.

Here is one I just finished with a snake skin camouflage paint job and black edges with 3 sets of limbs.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XzP9Njn9Qo8vvjYA6.
Title: Re: Staining/Coloring the edges of limb cores.
Post by: Burnsie on June 13, 2025, 07:11:44 PM
Thanks Kirk!
Title: Re: Staining/Coloring the edges of limb cores.
Post by: Mo_coon-catcher on June 13, 2025, 10:54:38 PM
Try a walnut core and hit the exposed wood with the steel wool vinegar mix. Walnut turns black and I don't think would have any effect on the glass

Kyle
Title: Re: Staining/Coloring the edges of limb cores.
Post by: Richard Korte on June 14, 2025, 10:41:01 AM
I've stained the edges of several bows using Transtint dyes dissolved in denatured alcohol. After careful hand-sanding with 400 grit, I apply the dye with a Q-tip. Then dry, I apply a layer of thin superglue, also with a Q-tip, then lightly smooth it with a fine Scotchbrite (Gray) pad. Works perfectly every time!     Richard