Considering a paint job...

[J. Holden]

I recently bought a used 1970's kodiak hunter and am considering trying to give it that old school paint job.  Any suggestions on the process?  I'm a little hesitant to go after the limbs with 150 grit.  I don't want to lose bow weight or screw up tiller or anything.

-Jeremy

[Bvas]

I wouldn't go that coarse. Just lightly scuff the existing finish with 220-320.

Or better yet....most places that sell automotive paint sell scotch brite pads that are perfect for scuffing existing coatings before applying new finish. These work great, especially for rounded places.

[buckeyebowhunter]

After scuffing spray a base coat. I used brown then added black stripes. Then make a few templates out of cardstock for the leaves. I used an exacto knife to cut the leaves out .

[buckeyebowhunter]

[attachment=1]
Limbs I did a few years ago.

[Flem]

The only thing I would add to the good advice already given, is too put down a good bonding primer coat or three. Auto rattle can primer made for bumpers works good.

[Crooked Stic]

Depends on how your finish is now. I am doing a 1970 Kodiak and the finish was cracked all the way thru. And it was thick. I had to get real aggressive with 120 grit. When you see you are close to the glass just move on and finish with 220. I have painted with solid colors and sprayed clear over the paint. Just be sure your clear isn't hotter than the paint you used.

[J. Holden]

Thanks for weighing in with advice.  Thanks!

-Jeremy

[monterey]

It's very easy to overcomplicate this.   I think if you just rough up the existing finish and fire up the Krylon it will be fine.  I have painted two and they are doing fine.

[Tim Finley]

The ones I painted I did'nt do any thing but clean them first.