I shoot from the shelf, and I typically use some type of skin like beavertail, seal, or other 'natural' product to apply on the shelf and window. I've used a variety of adhesives with differing results...some not very darned good! I'm looking for an adhesive which holds very securely in wet weather (think Alaska) and is strong. It must hold leather to finished wood. Finally, it must not damage the bow upon removal.

I simply can't tolerate having my rest peeling back for any reason. I need an adhesive that holds, and doesn't fail...period.
I'd like to know what you use/recommend. If you have a specific prep or technique, share that too. Thanks.

Barge cement.
Apply to both surfaces and apply heavy presure to secure.
on the shelf/strike plate I will use a shaft of some sort(arrow,screw driver,scribe) to roll the piece on,like a mimi-rolling pin. Lots of presure in a small area.
Never been to AK. though.

CTT

X 2 on Barges

X3 barge cement didn't have a problem in Alaska last year on my caribou hunt

x4 Barge

X5 Barge. Put sealskin on my bows years ago and its still holding strong.

6x barge

I like the "old" barge (with the distinct smell of a leather worker's shop), but I'm not too crazy about the new stuff.  Does'nt stick as well for me.   Silicone will work well....caulking like the kind you buy to seal plumbing or coat gaskets.  Just get the 100 percent silicone and not the acrylic blended stuff.  

There are other contact type cements...like barge...that will also work.

Holy cow! It's a Barge landslide...I'm not surprised. I used Barge a number of years ago. Like Mark, I wasn't real impressed with my results. Maybe I'll do a test application before trusting it.

Silicone: I know it will stick and stick well. Mark, do you suppose it presents any problems when it comes to removal? Finish damage? The best thing about silicone is its 100% waterproofness.

Thanks guys....

If it was easy, then it would'nt be such a good adhesive, now would it?    

Seriously, though, It peels off without any damage, but may take a bit more than just rolling it off like you can with barge.  At least thats been my experience so far.  

Another "solution" to the barge cement that lifts at the corners, etc. is to pack (which I do anymore, anyway, for first aid) a small tube of super glue.   The little bit you use to stick down a lifting corner can be cleaned up later with acetone.....carefully, because it will damage a finish as well.   Later, when it comes time to replace the leather strike or sideplate, you should be able to hide any areas that discolor or show from the use of the acetone.  I still like the silicone idea though.

Barge cement works great.  The big advantage is is works like contact cement and doesn't require clamping.  With silicon you'd have to figure out how to clamp it down until it's fully cured.  I've use it, but it's a PITA.

I like 2-sided adhesive tape. The clear colored version works extremely well and any left on the bow when changing your rest can be "rolled" off with a fingertip. It doesn't lay as "flat" as a glue but it holds tight.

QuoteOriginally posted by Mark Baker:
If it was easy, then it would'nt be such a good adhesive, now would it?    

Okay...I tossed you a high slow one there. I do need stick-appeal which doesn't peel. I'm going to try Barge first with careful technique. Silicone next.

My adventures with double-sided tape have been double-crossed. I've done well with it at times. I've also had leather peel away from the adhesive, leaving me with a nice sticky shelf.

Barge, for me.... I havent used much else though....DB

Another vote for Barge cement

Carpet tape? That's a creative mind at work. I'm pretty sure you get that stuff at Lowes or other home store...right? Let's see: a 42' roll of it for arrow rests...I might have couple feet left over when I'm "finished".

3-M used to make a two sided tape that you used a gun to apply, where the paper peeled off, and it left the residue....that stuff worked great, but I don't know where to get it anymore.  That was years ago....it's not unlike the "booger" stickem stuff that is used in junk mail.  If you could find that, you might have something.

Barge, no prob with adhesion

I use two sided tape now but have had mixed results with it. Over the last 5-6 years I have shot 1000's of arrows with great results and I have shot very few arrrows before it goes bye bye.
I have used a couple kinds but I don't know if I have used the kind Brandon posted.
I will give it a try.

I do like the silicone caulk as well but that stuff will leave a mark.

I still think that barge will meet most of your criteria, BUT, I have never used the new kind.