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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: PebblePlacement on May 26, 2013, 05:33:00 PM

Title: Clear Finish
Post by: PebblePlacement on May 26, 2013, 05:33:00 PM
What would be best for a clear finish on my laminated longbow?

I would like a thick "plastic" coating for protection and strength...  Will any product increase draw weight?

Two-Part Epoxy? (pros, cons)
Varathane?  (pros, cons)

What do the professionals use?
Title: Re: Clear Finish
Post by: Bowjunkie on May 26, 2013, 06:39:00 PM
Thunderbird epoxy bow finish. It's best sprayed with a compressor, but it really isn't difficult to get a professional quality finish... actually, it's possible to do at LEAST as well as many pro's. It's also super durable. My bows have taken some serious spils and hits with no visible sign of it.
Title: Re: Clear Finish
Post by: PebblePlacement on May 26, 2013, 06:41:00 PM
Very nice!
Title: Re: Clear Finish
Post by: PebblePlacement on May 26, 2013, 06:45:00 PM
Just checked out the site..  My bows are not at that level yet.  :)
What could I pick up from a hardware store?
Title: Re: Clear Finish
Post by: carpin'mark on May 26, 2013, 08:17:00 PM
Rust-oleum Varathane spar urethane or Minwax Helmsman spar urethane are both pretty decent for rattle-cans.
Title: Re: Clear Finish
Post by: PebblePlacement on May 27, 2013, 06:55:00 AM
Should these type coating always be blown?
Do you just keep layering till desired thickness?
Someone was telling me about matte finishing with a steelwool... Could that be done with these urethanes?
Title: Re: Clear Finish
Post by: JamesV on May 27, 2013, 07:14:00 AM
Minwax wipe-on polly
Title: Re: Clear Finish
Post by: 2treks on May 27, 2013, 10:54:00 AM
Zip Guard.
That is the best I used from a rattle can.
Title: Re: Clear Finish
Post by: BigJim on May 27, 2013, 09:18:00 PM
I have krystal available in quart cans. Makes it more afordable and very easy to use.

bigjim
Title: Re: Clear Finish
Post by: tenbrook on May 27, 2013, 09:23:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by BigJim:
I have krystal available in quart cans. Makes it more afordable and very easy to use.

bigjim
Krystal is what I use.  Very good stuff.  Jim's a good guy to deal with too!