Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Burnsie on July 08, 2025, 08:35:23 PM

Title: Helmsman Spar Urethane
Post by: Burnsie on July 08, 2025, 08:35:23 PM
Would this stuff be a decent finish coat(s) for a self bow? I'd like to use it because almost all of my staves are coated with with it once the back ring is chased to prevent checking. It would be easy to scuff up that layer and add a few more. Opinions?
Title: Re: Helmsman Spar Urethane
Post by: Pat B on July 09, 2025, 08:12:20 AM
That should work just fine for your selfbows and the satin finish will refuse the shine.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Helmsman Spar Urethane
Post by: kennym on July 09, 2025, 08:16:50 AM
Thats good stuff, I started using auto clearcoat but only because the Helmsman won't dry on oily woods like Bacote. Should be great on Osage. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Helmsman Spar Urethane
Post by: Burnsie on July 09, 2025, 08:29:24 AM
Thanks guys!
Title: Re: Helmsman Spar Urethane
Post by: Kirkll on July 09, 2025, 11:04:45 AM
Quote from: kennym on July 09, 2025, 08:16:50 AMThats good stuff, I started using auto clearcoat but only because the Helmsman won't dry on oily woods like Bacote. Should be great on Osage. :thumbsup:

This is good stuff, but the water base version is better. I sprayed outdoor furniture with the water base 2 years ago and it's still in nice shape. It's great on bows too.
Title: Re: Helmsman Spar Urethane
Post by: EHK on October 07, 2025, 01:24:23 PM
I've been away from bow building for a few years now, but I built a kennym design a while back (thanks Kenny) and I never quite got the grip where I wanted it.  I since sold off my forms, oven and most of my tools, but really wanted to re-shape that grip.  This past weekend, I took a rasp to it and sandpaper wrapped around pvc pipe and got it where I want it.  I used the oil-based spar urethane mentioned above to re-finish it and came out great.

Now I want to build another form!
Title: Re: Helmsman Spar Urethane
Post by: Watsonjay on October 07, 2025, 06:59:41 PM
Quote from: Kirkll on July 09, 2025, 11:04:45 AM
Quote from: kennym on July 09, 2025, 08:16:50 AMThats good stuff, I started using auto clearcoat but only because the Helmsman won't dry on oily woods like Bacote. Should be great on Osage. :thumbsup:

This is good stuff, but the water base version is better. I sprayed outdoor furniture with the water base 2 years ago and it's still in nice shape. It's great on bows too.
Does the water based dry quicker? Stuff never dries quick enough on bocote.
Title: Re: Helmsman Spar Urethane
Post by: Kirkll on October 07, 2025, 08:39:16 PM
Quote from: Watsonjay on October 07, 2025, 06:59:41 PM
Quote from: Kirkll on July 09, 2025, 11:04:45 AM
Quote from: kennym on July 09, 2025, 08:16:50 AMThats good stuff, I started using auto clearcoat but only because the Helmsman won't dry on oily woods like Bacote. Should be great on Osage. :thumbsup:

This is good stuff, but the water base version is better. I sprayed outdoor furniture with the water base 2 years ago and it's still in nice shape. It's great on bows too.
Does the water based dry quicker? Stuff never dries quick enough on bocote.

Absolutely dries quicker. Very user friendly. I've used it with a brush and in my spray gun both. I'd highly recommend it for a decent finish....  Now the longevity isn't anywhere close to auto clear coating. But it's easy to maintain and touch up.   Kirk