SNAKE SKIN...finish coat???

A.S. · May 13, 2009, 07:06:00 PM

I've been reading everything I can before I start the skin job on my ACS.

I've seen several suggestions for the finish coat. I would just like to hear any pro's/con's on using super glue/Spar urathane v/s Tru-oil.

I had one person tell me that he tried the CA glue and it made his skins cloudy.

If I go with CA, what do I look for when I go to buy it (brand name, thickness, etc)?

Thanks for any help. I really want to get this right the first time!!

Orion · May 13, 2009, 07:56:00 PM

Never used superglue, but have used Helmsman spar urathane and Birchwood Casey gunstock finish. Either of those will do a nice job. The Helmsman will yellow a bit over time, but brings out the colors nicely, as does the Birchwood Casey.

MYSTIKBOW · May 13, 2009, 07:56:00 PM

Allen,
I'm currently in the middle of using the Minwax outdoor/indoor Spar Urathane.(third coat)
Thats what a good friend of mine used on his with excellent results! I'll let ya know what I think in a day or two. Rain is forecasted for tomorrow.

JOHN

A.S. · May 13, 2009, 08:06:00 PM

Thanks guys. I just bought a bottle of Tru-Oil, I know it has treated me well on some gun stocks in the past.

Hatrick · May 13, 2009, 08:06:00 PM

I just finished some skins with Helmsman Spar Urethane satin finish that I sponge brushed on. 3 coats sanding between coats. I then finished them with 3 coats of Minwax wipe on poly. Turned out fantastic.

I've done 6 bows with skins and this was the best process I've used yet. The thicker brush on Helmsman enabled me to build up the finish over the skins and fill in around the scale areas a little quicker. The wipe on enabled a great finished surface area.

A.S. · May 13, 2009, 08:29:00 PM

Hatrick, did this give you a really smooth finish over the skins?

Hatrick · May 13, 2009, 09:25:00 PM

A.S. I would not say completely smooth as Bob Morrison does, but just the way I wanted it. You can see the texture of the skins but still rub hard in both directions without feeling any part of the skin sticking up out of the finish... if you know what I mean.

VAshooter · May 13, 2009, 09:36:00 PM

Hey guys, I'm in need of cooperhead skins for a bow I have. Where can I get them?

String Cutter · May 13, 2009, 10:20:00 PM

I hand rub in 2 coats of superglue.. then 1 coat of gloss poly.. let it cure for 5-6 days then take a sanding block to smoth off the surface... then 2 more coats of gloss poly...If you want a dull finish hit it with some super fine wool after the last coat cures for a week or so... Just dont rush..