I put snake skins on a fiberglass bow and finished it with Krystal and it is turning white after a few weeks of shooting. What can I do?
ttt
Do you have pictures? Did you make sure you took all the scales off before applying the finish?
Is it the skins turning white or is it stress marks in the finish? Is it more visible when the bow is strung?
NTD, Yes I took off the scales.
Greg
It is basically the finish lifting off the skins in the center of the limbs (highest bending areas) I can pick off the finish with a sharp object so it looks like a bonding issue.
Might try to get the finish off with out hurting the skins and use tru oil.
If I'm not mistaken the finish used "Krystal" is a hard, non flexible type made for pens and turnings. Seems like it is delaminating / cracking due to limb flex.
Snakewood3
The reason I am using Krysal is from recommendations of bowyers that use it on their bows. So it is a proven product that works for bow limbs. I think I may be doing something wrong.
Terry, is the krystal your using the 2 part catalyst varnish? If its lifting or cracking in a working area you could've possibly sprayed a to heavy layer on, I would use acetone to try and remove the finish, multiple light coats might be the answer or you can always use Minwax/helsman spar urathane or Defthane, both are excellent finishes and come in gloss or satin.
JD
Yes it is a 2 part post catalyzed varnish.
I will try to use acetone to remove it.
Thanks
Bad tilling can cause these stress spots.Truoil
Had this problem with some hinges that developed in a skinned bow that I had sealed with super glue.
Can understand bad tiller but hes putting it on a glass bow, of course I have no clue on whos glass bow it is:)
The bow is a binghams modified 64" 3pc takedown bow.
Good tiller no hinges. I believe the issue is a bonding issue, just not sure why. So far here's what I've came up with from advice.
It could be the skins didnt set long enough after putting them on and a slight moisture caused the issue, but the bow sat several day so I dont think so.
Or it could be the fact that I put super glue on the skins first?? and that's cracking (not sure), it could be the finish didn't bond to the super glue.
It could be I put to heavy of coats on, I should have went lighter coats and more?
It could have been the dampness of the weather??
It could have been the temp (low to mid sixty's).
Could it be moisture in my compressor air?
So that"s what I have came up with. Still not sure.
Terry
Moisture in ambient air or compressor would have shown as cloudy / milky finish. I doubt the super glue is the issue providing you used very thin ca. Sounds like to heavy coating(s) to me.
Were the skins air dried and not treated with any tanning / curing agent ?
The skins were air dried.