How are you finishing your bow?

[forfoxsake]

G'day,

I'm looking into the best way to finish your bow in Australia. I was using a two-part poly that worked great for years and now they've changed the product and I cant get it looking good even after a dozen or so applications and sand backs.

Thunderbird cannot import (without extreme cost) into the country and from what I've read they seem to be one of the good ones. I'm wanting something that really brings out the detail in the wood, is great for protection against weather and bumps, and can be applied to fibreglass. I'm happy to hear everyones thoughts on tru-oil, VHT wheel gloss, marine grade epoxy and everything in between.

Cheers

[Tim Finley]

BlackTail bows has a finish they sell . Its a clearcoat with an activator and flattening agent so you can make it as flat ,satin or gloss as you want .
  After playing with my spray gun for a while I got a beautiful finish, Ive used it for less than a year and have done about 75 bows, so far so good. You may not be able to import it at a fair price either due to hazard material costs

[forfoxsake]

Thanks mate,

I've sent them a message and will see how we go.

[Flem]

Conversion Varnish or 2K Auto Clear will do the trick and should be available locally for you.

[Mad Max]

Do you have VHT down under?
I use VHT Matt clear, I have used the VHT gloss but it did not lay down smooth like the Matt clear.
It's like a professional paint job in a rattle can
Dupli-color works good too.

I would think any wheel paint would work

[forfoxsake]

Thanks Flem,

Will be doing both of those in my trials.

Mad max- I haven't tried VHT but have heard good things. Do you find that it flexes well with the bow? And is it prone to chipping?

[bigbob2]

If you search VHT on here in previous posts a test on VHT and Duplicolor , was done that testifies to its toughness and flexibility. I too believe the satin flows on much better that the gloss and look great.

[forfoxsake]

Thanks Big bob- I'll see if I can find the post.

[Mad Max]

Here is the test, this is when I started using it .

https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=155938.0

[forfoxsake]

Thank you! Will have a read

[JGR1269]

I use 2K automotive clear for the final coat after all the wood grain is sealed up. It comes in aerosol cans so it's pretty convenient to use. It's not cheap but it's a very durable finish. Make sure you get 2K though. It has a button that goes in the bottom of the can and you smack it on a hard surface to puncture the inner bladder that contains the hardener. After activating it you have about 48 hours of pot life before it hardens up in the can.

[Longcruise]

How many bows can you do with one can of 2K?

[JGR1269]

I usually have two ready for a couple final coats when I use it.

[ztontonz]

I use 2K automotive clear for the final coat after all the wood grain is sealed up. It comes in aerosol cans so it's pretty convenient to use. It's not cheap but it's a very durable finish. Make sure you get 2K though. It has a button that goes in the bottom of the can and you smack it on a hard surface to puncture the inner bladder that contains the hardener. After activating it you have about 48 hours of pot life before it hardens up in the can.

Which brand are you using?
I use spraymaxx. Like you said it ain't cheap but it's durable

[ztontonz]

How many bows can you do with one can of 2K?

One to two cans per bow. When I time it right I can get good results finishing 2 bows with 2 cans. But 1 can for 1 bow it tough

[JGR1269]

I use Eastwood 2K Matte Clear but just bought a can of Spray Max to try.

[ztontonz]

I am interested to know how they compare