How to Refinish Bows
- 1). Sand toward the bow's wood grain using a coarse 50-grit sandpaper. Continue sanding until the bow's existing finish appears dull.
- 2). Wipe dust from the bow using a clean rag.
- 3). Sand your bow again, this time using 100-grit sandpaper. Wipe the bow with a fresh rag. Sand one last time using a fine 150-grit sandpaper. Continue sanding until the bow feels smooth.
- 4). Wipe the bow down with a tack cloth. Using painter's tape, cover every single portion of the bow you'd prefer to remain unfinished. Set the bow on top of a drop cloth.
- 5). Apply gel oil stain to the bow using a 2-inch brush. Wipe the thick, gel stain away using rags. Let the bow dry for three hours.
- 6). Gently wash the gel stain from your brush's bristles using mineral spirits.
- 7). Brush a coat of solvent-based polyurethane onto the bow using your clean brush. Move the brush toward the bow's wood grain. Don't touch the finish for two hours.
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