Bow Finishings

[Cawolf]

Can anyone tell me if I should use varnish or Danish oil on yew wood intended for a bow?

 

[chrisanson]

I like Danish oil, it lets the wood breath and is easy to re-apply if damaged.

 

[Cawolf]

Thanks, i was just checking incase one hindered its bending or something

 

[C_Claycomb]

I have used yacht varnish (with tung oil) and polyurethane varnish. Both worked fine. I have also heard of people using a heat gun and parafin wax, I have tried this only on small samples so far, it is very water resistant and matt. The varnishes tend to be shiny.

 

[Lush]

You could also use linseed oil. If you realy want a smooth finish, you can burnish the wood before you apply the finish.

If you want a really really smooth finish, you could try "raising the grain" with water first..

It's quite some extra work though

good luck,
Lush

 

[Eric_Methven]

I'd go with boiled linseed oil. Re-apply it every few months, then just a wipe with a linseed oil rag every few months will keep it in pristine condition.

Eric