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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: flyonline on October 19, 2019, 06:01:03 PM

Title: Re-finishing Shakespeare
Post by: flyonline on October 19, 2019, 06:01:03 PM
I have a 1970 Shakespeare Warrior that I want to re-finish as the clear is starting to show it's age.

I have a couple of cans of VHT clear in gloss but as it's a hunting bow I want to finish it with a matte clear. Will the equivalent Duplicolor in matte be compatible, and what is the easiest way to protect around the writing/decal?

Thanks

Steve
Title: Re: Re-finishing Shakespeare
Post by: Flem on October 19, 2019, 06:20:01 PM
You could use the gloss and rub it out with steel wool or scotch pad, in the appropriate grade that gives the amount of sheen you need. Just be sure to use some lube when you are rubbing.
Even better would be to rub out with pumice powder and mineral oil.
Title: Re: Re-finishing Shakespeare
Post by: Forwardhandle on October 19, 2019, 06:26:31 PM
Or you could use olive oil & pumice powder to rub out the sheen it works good & it's cheap and leaves a smooth finish ! The mineral oil would cheaper
Title: Re: Re-finishing Shakespeare
Post by: flyonline on October 19, 2019, 07:36:48 PM
You learn something every day!

Thanks, sounds much easier  :notworthy:
Title: Re: Re-finishing Shakespeare
Post by: Forwardhandle on October 19, 2019, 08:15:17 PM
This is the stuff I use 1lb will last a life time it doesn't take much to get the job done !

[attachment=1]
Title: Re: Re-finishing Shakespeare
Post by: monterey on October 19, 2019, 09:39:58 PM
To do or not to do.... that is the question

Well sort of.  Getting a can of the VHT or the Duplicolor matte will simplify it.  Might be worth it to just get a can.
Title: Re: Re-finishing Shakespeare
Post by: Bully on October 20, 2019, 06:49:48 AM
Spray it with a couple-three coats of the VHT.  Give it a good scuff and throw a coat or two of the Duplicolor on top to matte it out. 
I would let the VHT dry and hit it with a scotchbrite.  Clean it for grease and dust and spray the Duplicolor, but that's me. 
Title: Re: Re-finishing Shakespeare
Post by: Crooked Stic on October 30, 2019, 08:15:04 AM
I used some VHT clear satin on a bow. Let it cure 3-4 days put it in a sock. Overnite and pulled it out and fuzzy stuff off the sock was stuck to the finish. Had a mess. sanded all back down and redo. Maybe a bad batch  :dunno:but wont use it again.
Title: Re: Re-finishing Shakespeare
Post by: OkKeith on October 31, 2019, 03:39:22 PM
I think Kenny uses the VHT Clear Matte Wheel paint quite a bit. Seems like he suggested a few coats of gloss for hardness and then a "mist coat" of the matte to knock the shine off. I have some cans of it but haven't tried it yet.

OkKeith
Title: Re: Re-finishing Shakespeare
Post by: flyonline on December 23, 2019, 12:14:05 AM
I ended up re-finishing this a while back and thought a quick update might interest some.

I rubbed back to remove all previous finish with alcohol and then a light buff and cleaned down to remove all traces of dust and oil from hands. Then following the cans directions I sprayed 3x light coats with less than 15min between coats. It went on easily, and was very easy to see application, but I did get quite a bit of fish eye in a few places which I'm happy to concede was probably operator error. Outside that I'm very happy with the finish, nice and clear without being super gloss to give off a flash in the sun.

So far it's held up very well to scratches, I don't baby my equipment and it's been dragged and pushed through thick scrub, lent on rocks etc. without showing any signs of wear or chips but it hasn't held up to constant rubbing. Both around the grip and where I've had to replace my clicker a couple of times and had to clean off old adhesive it has worn through back to the wood.

[attachment=1]

[attachment=2]

So not sure where to from here, I do like the ease of applying but if it keeps rubbing off like that I will have to think of an alternative.

Steve