We finishevery bow with with coats of Gloss (for durability) then finish with coats of Satin Thunderbird for bows on our display rack. We know the Gloss will look better but the satin or flat is better for hunting,
What finish does everyone prefer on thier bows? Gloss, satin or flat?
I would never buy a bow that had gloss finish, even if I knew I would never use it for hunting. Satin or flat doesn't really matter to me, as long as it doesn't have any highlights that would reflect.
Satin first choice, flat second over gloss the way you do yours
I don't want any gloss here. Satin is for me.
Satin. good compromise.
Satin
Satin 2nd choice gloss , you can always dull it to your liking with Scotch Brite.
I like Satin for a hunting bow.
A gloss bow can have spandex limb skins on it or something similar to blend in,cut the shine.
For a real beautiful showcase type bow.A quality hand rubbed gloss finish does look best IMO.
I tend to like the gloss. it shows the beauty of the wood and I've never had a problem with the glair while hunting
Flat for me as long as it's had several good coats on to fill all voids or any open little fischer's so to speak....I have heard that the flat will scuff easier but I treat my bows with respect and don't toss them around so flat is my first choice then the Satin....
QuoteOriginally posted by Keefer:
Flat for me as long as it's had several good coats on to fill all voids or any open little fischer's so to speak....I have heard that the flat will scuff easier but I treat my bows with respect and don't toss them around so flat is my first choice then the Satin....
Flat is a softer finish for sure Gloss is the toughest. That is why we like to start with coats of Gloss for overall durability then top with the satin or flat depending on what the customer orders.
Thanks for the comments.
I will not buy a gloss bow. They sure look nice and shot the quality of the work and wood the best. Satin works fine for me hunting and still shows off the bow okay.
Flat for me. Satin is nice, but I want the least reflective finish I can get. For hunting open country it can be an issue - I've seen it on partners bows from a long ways away.
Satin.
I would prefer a satin finish.
Satin
I prefer a satin or flat finish. You can really tell if a bowyer has a paint room when he uses gloss. Gloss will show all the dust particles under the finish.
Gloss riser and Satin limbs.
Anyone who doesn't like a high gloss bow is a Communist!!!
:bigsmyl:
I finish all my selfbows with Tru-Oil which is high gloss but add a quick spray of satin poly over it to reduce the shine to a soft satin finish.
flat
quote:
Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:
Anyone who doesn't like a high gloss bow is a Communist!!!
:smileystooges:
lol
Satin
Gloss. Any bow of mine that gets used as a hunter gets a coat of flat black paint anyhow.
I guess it would be satin for me, but I love the old photos of guys hunting with bows with gloss finish and white glass limbs. :dunno:
If you go with gloss there are ways to hide the shine for hunting (limb covers, car wax, etc.) but hard to up the shine if you go with satin or flat.
Make mine gloss.
I'm in the high gloss camp. I find the bows reflection scares game argument to be unfounded. If you are sitting in the sun the shine off your body and clothes is much more off putting to an animal. in the shade your finish makes no difference, you only gain durability.
David,
That sounds even better to me cause I know what high gloss can do and it can really fill any small micro voids if several coats are applied and then putting a Flat sounds better but does the flat adhere very well on top of that gloss or must you prep the gloss with very fine paper like 2000 grit first?
This way you get both the Gloss and Flat so I'll like that even more..Maybe throw the Satin in on the middle coat and everyone's happy :thumbsup:
I like gloss and have never noticed it being a problem while hunting. Being unable to sit still, on the other hand, has been an issue.
Gloss for me. Put a coat of wax and don't buff it when hunting.
Flat because my bows are for hunting - the Zipper flat finish is great and seems more grippy and durable, but still shows the wood off pretty good. If not hunting, I would consider satin or glossy for pretty wood.
I like gloss, but understand the concerns with hunting. I have picked up a couple bows recently that are glossy and I'm going to try a Charlie Lamb tip I saw somewhere about waxing them for hunting. In the past I've always had one satin or flat finished bow to hunt but don't at the moment.
Flat. The flatter the better.
I love the gloss finish. There are way's to cover it up when hunting. Just took my Bear Bubinga riser, rubbed it out, and glossed it up. Looks 10X's better than the "factory flat".
Thanks for all the feed back everyone!!
Give me gloss every time. I polish every used bow I buy.