Getting close on my first recurve and it has a very interesting piece of wenge in it. I normally use buffalo hide but last time I used it on wenge I seemed to loose all the pattern in the grain. BTW I think it is one of the best bow finishes I have used on other woods. What have you used that accents the grain in wenge? Don't wanna loose this...

Did only use gloss for the grain filling? JF

Shellac will make that grain stand right out. Use 0000 steel wool on it until it shines on its own. Then wipe a coat of shellac over it. I believe shellac is compatible with nearly everything.

I go along with PEARL DRUMS with the shellac.

Yes Jeff gloss only. Actually only been using gloss been spraying a coat or two satin urethane over it on hunting bows.

Thought about shellac or lacquer

Shellac is water and alcohol soluble, even when completely dry. I wouldn't use it as an all weather undercoat on anything. Strictly for indoor use in my mind. Lacquer is tough stuff, and shows off grain figure beautifully, but tends to form fine cracks on bow limbs with the shock and vibration of regular use.

I fill it with epoxy thinned with a little acetone. I have an expoxy that is extremely clear that is produced just for finishes. www.bsi-inc.com. When completely filled I finish with Tru Oil or with T Bird or Helmsman Semi Gloss. I like to see the wood and grain but want it completely filled and smooth with no pores. Its hard to do with Wenge because the pores are so huge but can be done.

Good luck and God bless, Steve

Sixby thanks! Just reminded me I have a super clear 3:1 epoxy that had way too much flex for sleeving bows. It may just make a good experiment. I had a 1/4" piece of the stuff you could flex 90 degrees without issue, only drawback is the pot life, still worth a try though.

I use thin super glue to seal my risers. Works great. Fills the grain

Onetone, your right. Shellac is not good alone. But under other finishes it excels at making grain explode with color and life. I should have been more clear.

PEARL, you use clear shellac then as an undercoat to emphasize grain?

Correct.

Shellac has wax in it. A lot of finishes will not adhere well so be careful.

Superglue. I use it on my pistol grips and Bear grizzlies. Not wenge but super tough finish ime.

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