Advice on refinish job

NIGEL01 · February 24, 2011, 10:29:00 PM

I just bought a 1962 Browning Fury II, that the previous owner has hand painted camo. There looks to be beautiful wood under it, i also have a feeling the paint saved it from scratchs and dings over time. I'd like to remove the paint as carefully as possible, without damaging the finish too badly underneth. I tried scraping at it with a plastic scraper, without much success. Suggestions, or could you direct me to a tread thats already addressed this issue? Thanks

d. ward · February 25, 2011, 09:19:00 AM

100% acetone finger nail polish remover and a green scotch-brite pad.The finger nail polish remover works fine on the paint and will not hurt the original finish.Please note to wear rubber gloves and also please note I said acetone finger nail polish remover I did not say acetone from home depot.There is a difference bd

NIGEL01 · February 25, 2011, 10:43:00 AM

Thanks bowdoc, i had a feeling the info I needed would come from you.

CavScoutArcher · February 25, 2011, 03:32:00 PM

Asked the same question a couple of months ago and took BD's advice on a poorly painted k-mag. Came out beautyful. I picked up my 100% acetone nail polish remover from wal-mart. Think it was only 6 bucks or so for the bottle. That combined with an old gym sock was all that was needed.
Be sure to post some pics of your project!

C Kerley · February 25, 2011, 04:19:00 PM

I get my acetone from Dollar General, if I remember right I think it was less than $1 for a bottle big enough for one bow.

d. ward · February 26, 2011, 10:33:00 AM

and an old gym sock ??? that may be the new formula right there 100% acetone nail polish remover and an old gym sock.Scrub with a back and forth motion only.........rub until the bow is clean and free of paint or you pass out from the fumes of the old gym sock bd

NIGEL01 · February 26, 2011, 11:59:00 AM

Well, it's all off, for the most part, a little work to do around the limb tips. no i'm not sure about the date, not to familiar with Brownings. The serial # is 2c7252 amo 60", looks like it would be more of a late 60's or early 70's to me, also what kind of wood is it, rosewood possibly? I kind of struggle with the whole picture posting thing, but i'll give it a try again. Wondering also what my next step is, I want to save the logo, and a high gloss finish to bring out the wood. Oh, one more question, it didn't come with a string, just wondering if anyone knows what string length I would need for this bow. Thanks everyone

CavScoutArcher · February 26, 2011, 02:32:00 PM

Didn't want to use anything to abrasive! Besides I didn't want to ruin a new sock! :D

I think a sting 4in less than your measured amo is a good starting point for a sting on most recurves.

ishi1archer · February 26, 2011, 03:13:00 PM

I use Goof Off and a rag with great results.

NIGEL01 · February 26, 2011, 05:18:00 PM

I may have finally figured out how to do this.

NIGEL01 · February 26, 2011, 05:46:00 PM

Here's where I'm right now, slow going one year old with stomach flu.

Trying to work off the DNR #'s the guy scratched into it. Found a string that was close, so I should be able to narrow that down. I'm just going to take a wild guess, but I'd say it's a 1972 instead of a 1962. Any info would be appreciated.

CavScoutArcher · February 27, 2011, 04:06:00 AM

Looks like it cleaned up real nice.

JJB · February 27, 2011, 06:40:00 PM

That worked very well. Please post pictures along the way, I really enjoy these refinish projects.

NIGEL01 · February 28, 2011, 01:13:00 PM

Say, had anyone got any pictures of snakeskins on a old refurbished bow, real or commerially made? Just trying to decide how that might look. The limbs are actually in pretty good shape, just looking for something different.

NIGEL01 · March 11, 2011, 04:24:00 PM

Would it be safe to take some wood off the self, so its closer to the bow hand. my Dad and I made a string for it, shoots good.