New Finish

Tim Finley · August 20, 2020, 07:39:21 PM

Maybe some of you have already tried this but Black Tail Bows has their finish they are selling . Its a three part finish a clear coat and activator that you use on the first two coats and on the third coat you add a flatting agent depending on how much you add it can either be satin or flat or just using the clear and activator a gloss finish . Ive only recently started to use it and have only done a little over a dozen bows but it sure seems to work nice and is easy to apply .
I mix 3 table spoons of each for the first 2 coats, 30 minutes or more apart . Then 24 hours later 3 spoons full of each plus 1 and a half of the flattening on the last coat sanding between second and last coat . Pot life is only 90 minutes so don't mix anymore than you would need .

4 point · August 21, 2020, 08:48:02 AM

Tim, can you see a difference in clarity compared to thunderbird. I've always been curious how much that amber color of thunderbird changed color in lighter woods. I've always want to test it compared to automotive clear but never took the time.

Flem · August 21, 2020, 12:17:42 PM

Have not tried Blacktail's clear, but have used plenty of 2K Acrylic clear for Autos, which is what they are selling. I'm sure it's good stuff, depending on who packages it for them. The fumed silica they use for flatting agent can be used in any finish, but you would need to get it in the dry form.
I did not look at prices, but shipping all that hazmat crap must be expensive. You could probably find some decent 2K clear at a local Auto parts store that sells paint. Fumed silica in the dry state is common and cheap. I buy it locally from an auto body and paint store, 1lb= about a 3 gallon volume, which is enough to flatten many gallons of finish for about $15.
I'm always surprised more people don't use Auto clears. Not many finishes take as much abuse as a clear coat on a car, or are expected to protect such an expensive item.

4 point · August 21, 2020, 01:19:33 PM

Flem, my automotive clear runs about 700 dollars a sprayable gallon. My rep tells me no automotive clear is great as a wood finish. Thunderbird is way easier to work with compared to automotive clear. The Blacktail clear looks like it might be worth a try

Flem · August 21, 2020, 01:37:23 PM

Check out the MSDS of the Blacktail, you will see its essentially auto clear. I would not put $700. gal clear on a bow, its not a Tesla! I have not had any problems with auto clear on bows, but my bows only have about 20sqin of wood showing. So its mostly a fiberglass finish.
I have never used Thunderbird. The flash time scares me.

Crooked Stic · August 21, 2020, 08:20:02 PM

I use a clear gloss lacquer under Krystal dull. The only reason I base coat is Krystal will srink into wood pores after awhile. And try not to use really porus woods.

Bow man · August 24, 2020, 05:36:22 AM

There are a lot of finishes out there but none better than Tbird That is why we bought the company when we had the chance. If not the best would Black widow, Bob Lee Toelke and a 100 plus bowyers use it. Please let us know if you have questions

Tim Finley · August 24, 2020, 11:11:53 AM

Thunderbird is good and the service is especially great from nice people, but I always like to try different things . I was talking to Norm Johnson at the PBS gathering he was telling me of it so I decided to try it . I've used Tbird for many years with good results. I got the Tbird from Dave Johnson when he first started selling it and before that Fuller Plast or poly. Fuller Plast I wouldn't use again it was not durable .

Bow man · August 27, 2020, 05:34:36 AM

Thank you Tim