How to Finish a Wood Bow With Watco Danish Oil Stain

Long before compound bows made from carbon fiber and fiberglass arrived on the scene, bows were made of wood. Today, wood bows are still used, though mostly by collectors or hobbyists. Many make wood bows to get custom archery bows for use. If you build wood bows and are figuring out how to finish the bow, use products like Watco Danish Wood Oil. The oil penetrates the wood and provides waterproof sealing in addition to the aesthetic value of the stain oil.

Things You'll Need

  • Bench vise
  • Chamois cloth
  • Sponge brushes
  • Non-wax based wood cleaner
  • Sponge
  • Watco Danish Oil Stain
  • Plastic bowl
  • Newspapers
  • Mask
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wrap the edges of the bench vise jaws in the chamois cloth and place the bow in the vise. Close the vise down with the cloth protecting the sides of the bow's wood. Spread newspaper around the base of the vise. Put on the mask.

    • 2

      Pour some of the non-waxed based wood cleaner onto a sponge and wipe down the wood of the bow. Let the bow dry from the cleaner.

    • 3

      Pour some stain into a plastic bowl and dip a sponge brush into the Watco Danish Wood Oil. Apply the oil to the wood. Use single direction and long strokes to maintain the continuity of the wood surface. Let the first coat dry.

    • 4

      Apply a second coat to the bow, being sure to move the portions of the bow in the vise to get the entire wooden portion stained.