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Thunderbird Epoxy is a two-part finish that must be
mixed, allowed to stand, then thinned prior to use. The
components are marked ‘Part A’ and ‘Part B’. Combine equal
parts of Parts A and B by volume (such as two ounces each).
Mix, and wait a minimum of one half hour to allow the
chemical curing action to start and activate the mixture (a
process called induction). After induction, thin the mixture
approximately 25 to 30% by volume. [For example: 25% of the
combined volume ( 2 oz. A plus 2 oz. B =4 oz) would require
one (1) ounce of Thunderbird Epoxy Thinner] IMPORTANT:
You MUST let the mixture of parts A and B stand for 30
minutes minimum BEFORE you add the Thinner.
Before spraying the finish coats, properly prepare the
surface of the bow so it is ready to accept the finish. This
preparation is no different than using most other finishes,
and should consist of adequately sanding the entire bow and
wiping it clean from dust and fingerprints with denatured
alcohol or acetone. Do NOT use lacquer thinner, mineral
spirits, paint thinner or any other product except denatured
alcohol or acetone to clean the bow.
Start the finish process by filling the wood in the handle
section, edges, and tip overlays, if open grained hard woods
are used. We have a high solids vinyl filler and sealer for
sale that works with our epoxy. However, the epoxy itself
also makes an excellent sealer. Either product fills the
grain and provides a barrier to the oil in the rosewood,
cocobolo, and other similar hardwood families. There are two
ways to apply the sealer (or the finish as its own sealer):
(1) Spray or brush on two heavy coats, about 3 hours apart,
and allow to dry at least twelve hours. Sand this prep coat
down smooth with #220 grit sandpaper. Repeat this process,
if more is needed to fill any remaining grain. Usually two
coats of sealer are sufficient. (2) The second way is to mix
a small amount of epoxy as directed and brush or rub this
into the wood with your fingers or a cloth dipped in the
mix. Wait a few minutes for the solution to fill the grain;
add a little more, wait, etc, until the grain is filled.
After the grain is filled, let the wood dry at least three
hours. When it's dry enough to sand out, then sand the riser
section smooth, and begin the final finish process. At this
point only use denatured alcohol to wipe finger prints or
dust so as not to dissolve the finish which is not totally
cured.
Actual application is like most other finishs. The epoxy
goes on evenly and lies down nicely. Depending on
temperature and humidity conditions, it will be touchable in
one to two hours, and recoatable in three. In preparing the
bow before spraying, sand with #220 grit sandpaper, and wipe
down with a solvent to remove fingerprints and dust. You
need not sand between coats, but if you do, then allow more
time, up to 12 hours, between coats. We recommend three
coats of finish to provide lasting protection for a bow. You
can achieve a hand-rubbed, extra smooth finish by sanding
the bow after two days, with #400/600 wet sandpaper, and
then buffing with #0000 steel wool. Wax the bow if you want
to. We use “Pledge” furniture polish as a last step. For
cleanup and spray gun cleaning, use Thunderbird Epoxy
Thinner, lacquer thinner, acetone, or a mix of the two.
We also sell:
--Pen Kit: The black or white ink will not fade or run with
this finish. Dropper the ink into the "reservoir" on the
underside of the pen tip. Write smoothly; clean up using
plain water before ink dries waterproof.
--Commercial grade (FDA Approved) glues for repairing riser
cracks, and applying tip or handle overlays, (along with the
accelerator, and the solvent for when you glue your fingers
together!).
If you have any questions regarding bow finishing or using
these products, please contact:
Thunderbird Traditional Archery Dave or Dianne Johnson
1090 G ST NE, Linton, IN, 47441
tbirdarchery@sbcglobal.net NEW PHONE NUMBERS (812)
699-1099 or (812) 847-0212 Web:
www.TBIRDARCHERY.com
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