Thunderbird / fullerplast

mikkekeswick · November 15, 2014, 05:18:00 AM

Hi, I was just wondering if anybody out there knows of a European supplier of either fullerplast or thunderbird finishes? I haven't been able to find one and have been told that it's not possible to send small amount to the UK I would need to order a pallet full....= lots of money!
Really i'm just looking for a high build, very durable finish. I've been using Rustins Plastic Coat so far but i've read about the Fullerplast and Thunderbird and they seem to be just what i'm after.
Thanks

Brandywine · November 15, 2014, 10:06:00 AM

Suggest you speak with Border Bows. If they are not using the items, whatever else they use must be fine.
Regards, Kevin

snapper1d · November 15, 2014, 07:18:00 PM

Look for some catalyzed varnish over there.Thats what fullerplast is.I have used other catalyzed varnish with the same results.

Bow man · November 16, 2014, 07:06:00 AM

Mike right now we do not have a dealer for Thunderbird overseas, Sorry. That is one of our plans for it though for next year. Also shipping an individual order is very expensive more that twice the amount of the product just in shipping costs since it can't legally go on a plane. We have been talking with both DHL and FedEx trying to figure a way to lower the cost but that does not seem to be happening.

Buemaker · November 17, 2014, 07:19:00 AM

The one component polyurethane does this also have restrictions when it comes to air freight ? Not so easy to find a good bow finish over here. Thanks. Bue--.

Bow man · November 18, 2014, 06:41:00 AM

Yes Poly can not go air freight as well.

Here is a question for all of you in the European countries who is the largest Traditional Archery supplier ? We are going to start looking into a dealer for Thunderbird Epoxy. See if we can make the freight cost more reasonable if we ship a large amount.

J.F. Miller · November 18, 2014, 06:50:00 AM

surely you must have some paint stores in England that sell commercial painting products to contractors? a paint store that caters to commercial painting contractors should have products like precatalyzed lacquer, catalyzed varnish and polyamide epoxy, which is what I've come to prefer for finishing wooden bows.

Buemaker · November 18, 2014, 07:29:00 AM

David, here are a couple: I think Quicks in England is the largest supplier in Europe, they are a combined traditional and more modern supplier. They have been around for many years and are a well renowned company. www.quicksarchery.co.uk
In my country Norway there is an upcoming firm selling traditional archery supplies named Tradbow. www.tradbow.no
I have over the years bought goods from both of them and they always deliver. Bue--.

mikkekeswick · November 19, 2014, 01:55:00 AM

Thanks for the replies.
Bowman - Yes Quicks or Merlin are probably the biggest stores in England and Merlin have a shop about 5 miles from my house....I hope you can get a stockist set up as I personally know quite a few people who would be buying it straight away!
J.F.Miller - yes we have a large supplier of many different finishes nearby but if you don't know exactly what make up something is then how can they help. I told them what I wanted the finish for and as they had never had anyone ask for a suitable finish for bows they wouldn't give me a straight answer - basically because they couldn't guarantee what they could supply me with wasn't going to crack over time due to the bending of the limbs. If I knew exactly what the make up of Fullerplast/Thunderbird was it might be a different story.

mikkekeswick · November 19, 2014, 01:57:00 AM

I've been doing a bit of research and it seems like Morrells do a pre-catalized lacquer that might be suitable?
http://morrells.co.uk/pre-catalyst-lacquers-fastmatch-colours/
What do you guys think of giving this stuff a try?

Roy from Pa · November 19, 2014, 06:27:00 AM

Does any of your paint supply stores over there carry Conversion Varnish? That's all Thunderbird is!

Mike, I'd say that will work.

T Folts · November 19, 2014, 07:17:00 AM

Get a high solids automotive finish. It will work real well for you. You can also get it with flatener or add it yourself. Very durable and flexible.

Buemaker · November 19, 2014, 08:22:00 AM

http://www.biltema.no/no/Bat/Kjemikalier/Maling-og-lakk/2-komponent-polyuretanlakk-30553/
In Europe we can find good finishes that are suitable for bows, like this two component polyurethane. It is a tough finish that stays flexible after curing, one component polyurethanes can also be found. The downside of these are that when spraying the fumes are explosive and harmful, so a good ventilated spraybooth is necessary. That is why we show so much interest in the Thunderbird finish which is also usable on greasy woods like Cocobolo and such. Bue--.
.

mikkekeswick · November 20, 2014, 01:30:00 AM

https://generalfinishes.com/professional-products/water-base-topcoats-and-sanding-sealers/conversion-varnish#.VG2JboF_uSo
I have found this stuff.
T Folts - I'll look into your suggestion.

Bow man · November 20, 2014, 06:13:00 AM

We maybe making progress on shipping. Talking DHL again today

T Folts · November 20, 2014, 07:15:00 AM

David,
That would be great if you could ship T-bird over seas. Good luck
T

Bow man · November 20, 2014, 08:30:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Roy from Pa:
Does any of your paint supply stores over there carry Conversion Varnish? That's all Thunderbird is!

Mike, I'd say that will work.

The 2 part Thunderbird epoxy that they are interested in is not a conversion varnish

T Folts · November 20, 2014, 08:16:00 PM

Krystal is a conversion varnish that most bowyers are getting away from. It sprays real nice but is not very durable over the long haul.

snapper1d · November 20, 2014, 09:38:00 PM

I would not use that water based stuff.I wouldnt want the chance of any water putting moisture into my wood.

mikkekeswick · November 21, 2014, 01:47:00 AM

Bow man - keep me posted please! I'll be your first customer!