I've had success using a couple layers of shellac, then sand down carefully and finish. This one I sanded a little too far before spraying (spar) and exposed some spots where the oily wood fought back. I'm going to refinish the coco and see if I can blend it in and avoid doing the whole thing again. Riser is bubinga & coco with a rengas tiger stripe.
Aside from shellac, I've heard super glue works well. Any other oily wood methods?
(http://i862.photobucket.com/albums/ab184/GBPHunt/redwolfriser.jpg)
Yep, use Thunderbird or Fullerplast to finish the bow and never concern yourself with it again :thumbsup:
I've had good luck with water-based polyacrylic finishes. I'm trying one now that seems to dry in 30 minutes, nice and hard. Like spraying laquer except without the fumes. It's been indestructable on tables and such for me, will see how it holds up to flexing bow limbs. But for coco it works great. Just wipe it down with alcohol before applying. Spar can be applied over it.
http://www.generalfinishes.com/retail-products/water-base-top-coats-sanding-sealers/high-performance-polyurethane-topcoat
Thunderbird is great for oily woods because it cures by chemical reaction instead of air drying. I have used super glue and it cut the drying time down a bunch too
When I used to make knives I never bothered using a finish on those heavy oily woods. I would take them down to about 1200 grit on the sander and then take the soft buffing wheel to them. After buffing cocobolo, as well as other oily woods, it had that deep gloss finish that looked like had been sprayed on.
My brother carries a knife I made about 10 years ago for him with a cocobolo handle. I encourage him to beat the heck out of it so I can see first hand how my knives hold up. The finish on the handle is very near as glossy and beautiful as the day I gave it to him, the cocobolo looks better than the brass finger guard. If he ever wants it looking new again it'll be a 10 minute fix on the buffer.
I'm not sure this is a feasible option with multiple woods in the riser but thought I'd throw it out to give you some ideas.