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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Scott Beitzel on December 24, 2009, 12:21:00 AM

Title: thompsons water seal
Post by: Scott Beitzel on December 24, 2009, 12:21:00 AM
just finished a bow other than the sanding of evenry thing  and was wondering if anyone has ever used thompsons to treat a bow or is it not suitable.

will post some pics when i get her all done .

thanks,
Scott
Title: Re: thompsons water seal
Post by: kung fu kid on December 24, 2009, 02:20:00 AM
I've used Thompson on outdoor furniture and decking.  It will waterproof the wood, plus darken it a shade.  But the treatment is only temporary, and requires treatment every year.  It also does not put a hard surface on the wood, making the bow easy to scratch/ding.
Title: Re: thompsons water seal
Post by: Scott Beitzel on December 24, 2009, 10:05:00 AM
thats what i was thinking  but just wanted to check with someone else first.

thanks and merry chistmas ,
Scott
Title: Re: thompsons water seal
Post by: Mike Most on December 24, 2009, 01:52:00 PM
And especially in hot climates it is parafin based and doesnt hold up well.

Mike
Title: Re: thompsons water seal
Post by: Shakes.602 on December 24, 2009, 02:27:00 PM
Very Good Question!!
Title: Re: thompsons water seal
Post by: frank bullitt on December 24, 2009, 02:34:00 PM
Scott, it isn't even good for outdoor wood. I have powerwashed and sealed alot of decks over 20 years, and would not recommend it.

Tru-oil or even a good poly spray or wipe-on is a good choice for overall protection, and very user friendly.

Good shootin, Steve.
Title: Re: thompsons water seal
Post by: Don Stokes on December 24, 2009, 04:47:00 PM
I worked for a wood protection company for several years as Product Development Manager, and we did lots of testing on "waterproofing" formulations. Of the commercial products, Thompson's was one of the poorest performers as far as protecting the wood from moisture absorption, but it beaded well on the surface. Apparently that was enough to let them dominate the market, just because it looked good when you poured water on it, and even though it needed to be reapplied every six months. Go figure.
Title: Re: thompsons water seal
Post by: Scott Beitzel on December 24, 2009, 05:45:00 PM
thanks guys for the info thats exactly what i was looking for information  .
guess i will look at other finishes.

thanks,
Scott
Title: Re: thompsons water seal
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 24, 2009, 05:56:00 PM
I've used it for years on my deck but not for bows. My whitewood bows get stained with water based formulations or alcohol in Rit. My osage bows get 3or more coats with Tru Oil to fill in the pores. In both the finish is 3 coats of spar urethane. Jawge
Title: Re: thompsons water seal
Post by: ChristopherO on December 24, 2009, 09:11:00 PM
For decks Thompson's Wood Protector is much better than their Water Seal.  They have excellent marketing, though.