Re-Hydrate Time Question

[northland archer]

After making corrections with heat on a bow that is already finished, how long do i wait for that section to re-hydrate before applying finish to it?  Would it be a better idea to take most of the finish off first or just the section being heated and corrected?  This is a nice bow and i don't want to kill it.  Thanks for the help.

[Pat B]

It all depends on the relative humidity in your area. If you live in a dry climate stick the bow in the corner of your bathroof for a few days. Humidity is higher there. Generally 3 to 4 days to a week should be OK.

[Stiks-n-Strings]

I had one finished out and decided to heat in just a little reflex and call it good. Bad move! it developed a stress crack on the belly. luckily it wasn't very deep and I can do a Torges patch on it saturday when my my urac gets here. I had it sitting for about 5 days and figured it was re-hydrated and it may have been  and it just was pushing it a bit much.

I still have yet to fine tune the most important tool in my bow making and that is patience      

I would take Pat's advice for sure.

[John Scifres]

Give it a couple weeks.

[northland archer]

Should I remove the finish first or just heat away?

[John Scifres]

heat away

[George Tsoukalas]

What kind of bow? Backed or self? Jawge