Have a couple that need to be refinished.  I had black widow done for me a few years ago by BW- it was awesome, but I really do not have that kind of cash now.  

I also noted Steve O's Alaska hunt cut short because of a friend's bow finish failure in the wet extremes.

So- what is your system and product?

Thanks
Dan in KS

I used MinWax satin urethane to refinish a Ben Pearson Colt recently.  Turned out pretty well.

Added a bit of radius to the shelf while I had her sanded down.  220 grit followed by 400 with steel wool in between six coats (thinned and brushed on).

   

   

   

 

   


Hard part was blending in the finish near the ettering.  I didn't touch that except light wool polish and light coats over it.

I left the limbs prett much alone but rubbed two coats of boiled linseed oil on them to buff them up nicely.

Charles- So you put the new finish right over the older finish (Of course after you sanded first)?

Dan

That colt turned out pretty good,   Have you ever tried the minwax spray urethane?  Was thinking about doing up one of my bows with that. Looking at how well yours looks makes me think to try the brush on type.  Any suggestions?

Looks great though!    

Guys I just found a great archive from 2008 by the real bowdoc  

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=001670;p=1

Try the Trad history and collecting forum. Plenty of info there.

Urethane brush on or spray works fine, and you can improve the finish look by using rubbing and polishing compounds if need be. Most people dont let the urethane cure long enough. It may be dry to the touch in an hour or even six, but a furniture refinisher told me full cure is at least seven days. Especially if you are going to wet sand then go for a rubbing/polishing gloss.
Spar urethane is a finish suitable for horrible weather. They use it for marine applications, exterior wooden garage doors etc. It does tend to yellow with time though. Any good hardware store will carry it. Preparation is more important than finish, dont urethane over any laquer or anything glossy and smooth, older finishes are sometimes soft, etc. If in doubt, remove it. Sanding is best for a first timer,  finish strippers can damage glass.
If there is a thread to read, the one from bowdoc above would be the one. I havent read it, but He is a master at it.

You might consider Joe Lasch(Whip) here on tradgang.  He runs Prairie Traditions and has very reasonable pricing on refinishing a bow.  Plus he is a great guy period.  He is listed in the sponsor links at the top of the page.

Thanks.

wow KSd thank you I am humbled bd

I like the wipe on polyurethane, it's very easy to use. Levels out perfectly, no brushmarks at all.

PM'd you bowdoc