Which poly?

cornfedkiller · September 26, 2011, 08:12:00 PM

This doesnt exactly have to do with making bows, but I figured this would be the place to ask. (Im new here, so please move this if needed )

I just ordered a new recurve, and from reading the reviews on it, the consensus is that the finish is not very good, and I have heard of a few guys refinishing theres and it is 10 times better.. Can anyone give me some advice on this?

First off, which type of poly would you suggest? Id like something pretty cheap, but something that will get the job done - preferably something I can pick up at menards or home depot.

Second, should I lightly sand it down first, then add the poly, or just go right over the stuff thats already on it? How many coats would you suggest?

Also, do I apply it to the whole bow - limbs, limb pockets, everything?

Thanks guys

GREG IN MALAD · September 26, 2011, 11:42:00 PM

My first question is what brand of bow is it and what dont you like about the finish. Personally it would have to be a really bad finish for me to refinish it with poly.

cornfedkiller · September 27, 2011, 08:34:00 AM

Its a Samick Sage. I dont have the bow yet (its on the way), but the majority of the reviews say the finish is really lacking, so I was just thinking it might be a good little project to do...I just didnt know what it would take to do it..

PEARL DRUMS · September 27, 2011, 11:39:00 AM

Get a rattle can of Helmsman Spar and give it 2-3 coats right over the finish it has from the shop. Lightly rough it up first. Leave the pockets alone and just spray the riser. Detach the limbs and spray them complete and seperate. Let it dry for a day and screw it back together.

cornfedkiller · September 27, 2011, 01:15:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by PEARL DRUMS:
Get a rattle can of Helmsman Spar and give it 2-3 coats right over the finish it has from the shop. Lightly rough it up first. Leave the pockets alone and just spray the riser. Detach the limbs and spray them complete and seperate. Let it dry for a day and screw it back together.

Perfect..thanks

If I go to home depot and as for "helmsman spar", are they going to know what Im talking about? Or is this something I need to get from somewhere special?

PEARL DRUMS · September 27, 2011, 02:16:00 PM

They will standunder what your saying. Its a Minwax spar.

SportHunter · September 28, 2011, 09:26:00 AM

You should try to practice on a scrap piece of wood to get the hang of it before trying it on your new bow. Don't put it on too thick or it will run. Good luck.

cornfedkiller · September 28, 2011, 09:30:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by SportHunter:
You should try to practice on a scrap piece of wood to get the hang of it before trying it on your new bow. Don't put it on too thick or it will run. Good luck.

Good call! Thanks!

vanillabear? · September 28, 2011, 10:14:00 AM