Today I picked up some bow limbs Country singer George Strait was kind enough to sign. I have some other famous folks have signed too and since some of these bows I still actively use for my shows, how can I safely protect the signatures? Actor Matthew McConaughey’s signature has been wiped off one of my bows and I would love to protect these signatures and preserve them.

Any thoughts? Dick Mauch tells me Fred Bear knew how to do it. Anyone have suggestions ?

Thanks Frank

The writing is put on bows before the last couple of coats of finish. I would try a clear coat over them. Do not rub it use a spray and test a small spot first. A very light coat shouldn't damage them. Then it can be followed with a couple more. I just can't be positive not knowing what they were signed with. Good luck. >>>----> Ken

Ken In most cases a sharpie pen.

I will do some test with one tomorrow. Make some marks tonight so they will be thoroughly try and try some finishes tomorrow.I will let you know how it goes. You must be a night owl too. Ken

Like two Bears said the first coat must be very lightly sprayed.

that should be allowed to dry thoroughly before the next coats or the writing will run.

Always test on something else.

Frank,contrary to what I thought.The ole tried and true--- Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil gunstock finish, rubbed on with my finger on wood and slick PVC pipe samples worked great. A rub on Minwax poly same results. The spray, Minwax Poly gloss with a very light coat to start was O.K. Sprayed with a very wet coat caused the writing to run. After drying, successive coats were all O.K. All seem to be well protected now. I know that over time Tru-Oil doesn't yellow. I haven't had the others around long enough to vouch for. These are just 3 finishes that are commonly available. It must be the spray solvents that melt the sharpie but it works, if you spray very light from a little extra distance on that first coat. All this time I have been using India Ink,guess it is not necessary. Take care.>>>----> Ken

Funny Fred didn't share that secret with you being how close you two were. Then again neither of you probably could have imagined the heights of your future success at the time so why would it come up.

Personally, I wouldn't use the one George signed. Hang it on the wall and keep it as a momento, and use a different bow.

Always test first. I sign my bows with a felt tip and then brush on a coat of poly acrylic. Jawge

I can tell you how not to. I have two sets of SKY Carbon Jack limbs that Ann Weber Hoyt signed for me in early 2004. I taped over her signature with clear packing tape. Within two years, her autograph had faded, which I really regret.

Same thing happened with Byron Ferguson's autograph on my Adcock longbow, although you can still mostly see it (wasn't exposed to as much sun).

I would try spray-on poly first, on a test medium of course.

ttt for Frank >>>----> Ken

I've always been curious, is there a reason you start all of your threads with "Addington:"?

Personally, I’d just get a new set of limbs for shooting, and set the signed ones aside. Sharpie is not the best pen for longevity.

Fred used real fine steel wool on the spot, signed it, then sprayed clear lacquer over it.

Because you don't know the compatibility of the "ink" and the clear I would do this. (I have done this on many things that weren't compatible with success)

Spray a VERY light coat from a long distance. I call it a fog coat. So light you don't think you covered anything. Let it dry and repeat three or four times then give it a decent but light top coat or two.

The idea is to make the first coats so light that the VOC's dry off so quick they can't act on the ink. So light that the clear is almost dry within seconds. After that you are just building up light layers the same way.

Sttkzz All my current bows are signed. I will get new ones in the Fall. You may be right but one bow in particular is a sweet shooter. Hate to retire it yet.

I have one Lyle Lovett and GS signed, a few with just George’s signature, Nugent signed ones, etc. I often times just hand a celeb a bow and get their signature on it. I always liked Willie Nelson’s guitar, trigger, because it was so old and signed. It has character.

Thanks for the advice, I’ll probably take it except the one bow. Can’t let go of it yet.

GLF- Thanks. I wondered. I have a Kodiak he signed and sent me 39 years or Orr ago. Now that you say that it makes sense. I called Dick Mauch the oth r day to ask him how Fred did it. Unfortunately my Hoyt limbs were already finished and so they signed over the coating. I’ll try some light layers of lacquer.

Frank

My tests were for your already signed bows.>>>----> Ken

I can tell you what to do with the Nugent signed ones. LOL

Limbwalker Of all my longtime archery friends, Ted may just be the most misunderstood...but I can tell you this. He has a huge heart and has quietly (rare for him to do anything quietly) helped more terminally ill folks, wounded warriors, law enforcement and others than just about anyone I know. I’ve seen firsthand what he does. And rarely does he make a big deal about it.

I understand that sometimes his language may offend folks, but when you look at the big picture he does a lot of good.

I nominated him for the archery hall of fame because I felt he deserved to be there. Think about how many people he has exposed archery to at his shows alone not to mention his Fred Bear song. He has shot a bow on stage at his rock and roll shows since the 1960’s early 70’s. Not to mention his tv shows and appearances.

Here’s a snapshot of Dick Mauch and I backstage at one of Ted’s events. Dick, Carol and I went and I did an archery show there. It was fun and Greg Easton was also there. Neat event.

I know he’s known to be controversial and say things that shock some, that’s his rock and roll persona. It’s kinda like my uncle that had been a drill sergeant. He was rough and tough and foul mouthed but he had a heart of gold. Yes does too.

Frank

Sorry, iPhone flipped the word Ted to yes for some reason in the last sentence.

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