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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Jim Rocole on June 27, 2012, 08:41:00 AM

Title: Filling voids on snakeskins
Post by: Jim Rocole on June 27, 2012, 08:41:00 AM
I know that some use superglue to put a thin layer on snakeskins to fill the voids. I was wondering if any one used a thin layer of thunderbird to do the same. I have just sprayed 6 coats on snakeskins previously but wasn't real happy with the finish. My thought is to rub a thin layer of T-Bird on the skins then do a spray finish of 5 coats of t-bird.
Title: Re: Filling voids on snakeskins
Post by: Roy Steele on June 27, 2012, 09:14:00 AM
You can do that it'll look ok.
Title: Re: Filling voids on snakeskins
Post by: Jim Rocole on June 27, 2012, 09:28:00 AM
thanks Roy
Title: Re: Filling voids on snakeskins
Post by: Pat B on June 27, 2012, 09:44:00 AM
I have heard that super glue coating will eventually crack. I use 5 or 6 coats of Tru-Oil and get a very nice finish. IMO, snake skins will never be glass smooth and if I wanted them to be I'd make a glass backed bow with the skin pattern under the glass.
Title: Re: Filling voids on snakeskins
Post by: 7 Lakes on June 27, 2012, 01:09:00 PM
Not sure what you mean by voids??

If you are talking about filling all the pits left by the scale removal until you have a beautiful smooth coat it will crack up in the cold, maybe even before then.
Title: Re: Filling voids on snakeskins
Post by: Jim Rocole on June 27, 2012, 01:19:00 PM
I am talking about the pits left by the scale removal but I am not looking for a smooth finish. I just want a thicker base over the skins before spraying the limbs. I thin if I just sprayed the skins I will be missing some pockets because of the uneven suface left by scale removal. My thought is to brush on a thin coat and then spray after.
Title: Re: Filling voids on snakeskins
Post by: scrub-buster on June 27, 2012, 07:00:00 PM
I tried a thin coat of superglue on my last snake skin backed bow.  It left a frosted look to the skins.  I totally ruined a beautiful set of prairie rattlers
Title: Re: Filling voids on snakeskins
Post by: 7 Lakes on June 27, 2012, 07:56:00 PM
Don't try to fill the pits left by the scales.  Spray the Thunderbird just as you would without the skins.  6 coats seems excessive.
Title: Re: Filling voids on snakeskins
Post by: briarjumper12 on June 27, 2012, 07:59:00 PM
Tru-oil applied with my finger worked good 3 times for me.