What Finish

[CCWhitetail]

I have an old Bear "Polar" that I am going
to set up for Bowfishing that I want to revive
up a bit.  What finish do you guys use on them?
I am a cabinet maker, but I would like a little
Trad Bow insight.

Thanks.

[kurtbel5]

Go to history collecting and check out the restoration 101 thread by Bow Doc.
The best advice is there
   Kurt

[Orion]

Helmsman spar varnish or Deft in spray cans works well.  Each comes in satin, semi-gloss and gloss and available at most hardware, building supply stores.

[CCWhitetail]

Thanks, I was thinking about deft.

[d. ward]

the best finish for bows is actually for gun stocks and is called Birchwood & Casey tru oil gun stock finish.If its good for a gun stock it would have to be good for a bow.Spray can or brush on.bd

[Tom Leemans]

If you're gonna spray some poly or something from a can though, lay down some glossy finish under the satin, because the glossy will be more durable. That said, Tru Oil is great stuff!