Refinishing a recurve?

[bigcountry]

Ok, here is the deal.  Took my martin dreamcatcher hunting last week.  I put on top of my truck while getting dressed.  A big gust of wind came and blew it completely off and onto gravel.  I have several little nicks and scratches in the riser now. Five good ones to be exact.  Beautiful bow, now looks like crap.  

Reason I love wood bows are thier beauty.

I called Martin and they said they will refinish it for me for $60 dollars.  And yes, I want it looking nice, so please no replies on giving it character, or just go hunting, or whatever.  

Or I know a furniture guy who said he can help me do it.  I want it look great again.  But he said he would really like to know the finish they put on it. Anyone know?

Any advise?

[ks_stickbow]

I think $60 is a heck of a deal...I would do it if it was me. however I just did one myself on a mosshorn and received some great advice.

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=052366;p=1#000009

[snag]

Yep, great deal. Good for Martin! I am having a TD recurve done and it is costing me $150.

[Apex Predator]

$60 is an unbelievable deal.  You had better jump all over that!  I hope you got the reps name that you talked with.  Wow!

[bigcountry]

Thanks guys.  I guess I will go ahead.

[Ted Fry]

$60.00 is a bargain to have a bow refinished , jump on it and say thank you.

[Raineman]

bigcountry-contact Droptine59 on this site. He lives just down the road from you and refinishes/restores bows. He might be able to assist/advise you. I can tell you this though...if Martin is doing a full refinish for $60.00, my bow would be there already, and he'll probably tell you the same.

Might just be able to refinish the damaged area (which is most likely what Martin will do).

[bigcountry]

Thanks Raine,  I wrote him an email.  maybe he can help.

[D. Key]

If you want to do it yourself, it isn't really all that hard.  I have refinished numerous bows before and they all came out great with no ill after effects.  

First, I hang the bow from the tip using light serving thread.  I use very fine sandpaper (320 grit) and sand the entire bow.  I then apply about 4-5 very light coats of Deft Satin Urethane (buy it at Lowes for about $5/can).  Just be sure to keep the nozzle moving and don't overspray any area.  Inbetween coats I sand lightly with the 320 grit paper.  This takes about 1 week to complete, assuming you have a space to spray with low humidity.  Patience is the key.  Don't get in any hurry.

Best of luck.