Was hunting last week and one day there was a light rain. I happened to notice that the water drops left a spot even after wiping them off. It seems to actually have penetrated the finish although after drying out they went away. Anyone else experience this and is there a fix for it ?  I was thinking perhaps paste wax or car wax might seal the finish.

The finish Mike Treadway on my bow back in 1999 would get milky any time I was in high humidity or in the rain. When he reduced the weight and refinished the bow he used a different finish that stays clear no matter what the weather is.
I don't know what he used back then. I can probably find out this week when I see him at the Tenn Classic.

Pat , Thanks, I'm hoping to make it to the classic but right now it's questionable. Think the grandkids gave me something over the Easter holiday. If I can get to feeling better I hope to be there. I'm supposing the water spots aren't hurting anything but will probably just try a wax to help seal out the water. Thanks

Some types of conversion varnish will do that...

Kirk , do you happen to know if waxing it with either paste or automotive wax will help with the water penetration.?

Here's a topic I remember reading a while back.        Renaissance Wax may be another product to use. It's a bit expensive though, but a seems a little goes a long way.  I've read a lot of folks that sill have rifles with wooden stocks use it to seal the wood so would imagine it would work on a bow as well.

https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=80060.0

Quote from: MCNSC on April 29, 2025, 08:23:02 PM
Kirk , do you happen to know if waxing it with either paste or automotive wax will help with the water penetration.?

That's a tough call to make not really knowing what finish material was used on it. If it's a porous finish it may soak into the finish when it gets warm outside. It may in fact work just fine for repelling water, but may be problematic for refinishing in the future...

I think I'd recommend having someone refinish it, or do it yourself with a decent finish designed for exterior use.  There are a lot of user friendly ways to do it yourself.    Kirk

Agree , refinishing is probably going to be the best route. May be a good project for this summer.  Or may just leave it alone. Good shooting bow and the first time I had taken it out hunting. Usually take my nicer bows but was going to be out fishing also so didn't want to leave my nicer bows in the tent or truck.

There is a very user friendly product called Helmsman Spar varnish you can buy in a spray can, or by the quart if you have a spray gun. They also make a water base spar varnish that I tried on outdoor furniture that I was seriously impressed with the longevity.... They have come a long ways on these water base finishes.... Food for thought...Kirk