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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: John Cooper on July 17, 2010, 11:57:00 PM

Title: finish over Testors enamel?
Post by: John Cooper on July 17, 2010, 11:57:00 PM
Hello!

I'm finishing out a bow using Formby's Tung Oil.  After three coats wiped on and steel wool, I did some lettering with Testor's Enamel (metallic green and silver).  I didn't know what to do to keep the lettering (especially the silver) from running when I do several more coats.  When I crest with silver, I use a poly-acrylic just over the cresting then several more coats of poly-urethane.  What's the best way on a bow?

Thanks for your help!
~John
Title: Re: finish over Testors enamel?
Post by: OkKeith on July 18, 2010, 01:55:00 AM
John-

I do the same thing over the lettering on my bows. Just like on your arrows, there needs to be a layer of finish over the lettering to protect the paint from the solvents in the additional coats of bow finish. Especialy the metalic paint, it seems to run easier than the other colors.

I spray two coats over lettering before I put the last coats on, just to be sure.
Title: Re: finish over Testors enamel?
Post by: JamesV on July 18, 2010, 12:15:00 PM
Is there a pen that can be used to letter a bow over dark wood like walnut/purpleheart. maybe white,yellow,gold??? What do you guys use
Title: Re: finish over Testors enamel?
Post by: John Cooper on July 18, 2010, 03:32:00 PM
Thanks for your advice, Keith.  I just wasn't sure that the tung oil would adhere well to the poly-acrylic.  Two coats seems like a good insurance policy.  :)

James, I use an 8/0 size brush and Testors enamel sold just about everywhere in the same aisle as the plastic model kits.  If you have a Hobby Lobby, Michael's, or JoAnne Fabrics in your area, that'll be a good place to find both brushes and the paints. I haven't been able to find any paint pens I really like.

~John
Title: Re: finish over Testors enamel?
Post by: T Folts on July 18, 2010, 04:14:00 PM
Pics, pics, pics, pics,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and pics
Title: Re: finish over Testors enamel?
Post by: John Cooper on July 18, 2010, 08:45:00 PM
lol, Terry.  I'm not at home or I'd take a pic now.  I didn't know Manlaw applied in this circumstance.  You'll see it soon enough...

oh, and on a totally different note and not to get your hopes up, I broke the other HBI. :`( I'm thinking too much pressure with the spring clamps.  It was out to 55#@20".

~John