Longbow Paint Colors: Choosing The Right Shade

There are a variety of colours that people paint their longbows. Some opt for a natural look, using browns, reds, creams, and beiges to replicate the colours of the heartwood and sapwood. Others prefer to paint their longbows with colours like black, khaki, or leather brown. Some people paint designs on their longbows, such as Celtic knots, and for a primitive look, earth pigments like milk paint are suggested.

Paint types: oil, acrylic, milk paint, earth pigments

When it comes to painting longbows, there are several types of paint that can be used to achieve different effects and there are a variety of colours to choose from. Here is a guide to some of the most popular types of paint:

Oil Paint

Oil paint is a traditional choice for painting and can be mixed with linseed oil to achieve a neat effect. It is a good option if you are going for a medieval theme as oil paints were used historically. However, oil paints can take a long time to dry, sometimes up to 24 hours, and require a lot of preparation. Surfaces need to be sanded, washed and primed before painting.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is not favoured by some as it can look bad on longbows. However, it is available in a wide range of colours and is easy to use.

Milk Paint

Milk paint is made from natural ingredients and is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. It is a good option for those seeking an authentic, antique or country look. It is easy to apply, dries quickly and can be used on a variety of surfaces with minimal preparation. It can be mixed with water to create a stain-like effect, or with a bonding agent for a more consistent finish. Milk paint is usually sold as a powder and can be mixed with pigments to create different colours.

Earth Pigments

Earth pigments can be used to create a primitive look. They are often mixed with milk paint or hide glue to create a natural, medieval effect.

Colours: brown, beige, black, red-brown, cream, bone

When it comes to painting longbows, there are a variety of colours to choose from, including brown, beige, black, red-brown, cream, and bone. Here are some tips and ideas to help you get started:

Brown:

Brown is a versatile and important colour that can add depth and richness to your longbow. It can be created by combining red, yellow, and black pigments, or by mixing orange and black. When choosing the right shade of brown, consider the atmosphere you want to create. For a cozy and moody space, go for a darker shade of brown. If you prefer a more open and airy feel, opt for a lighter shade. You can also pair brown with other colours such as beige, duck egg blue, or sage green for a calming and natural look.

Beige:

Beige is a light and neutral shade that can be used to create a sophisticated and soothing space. It is often classified as a shade of white and can be paired with darker colours like brown to create a cohesive look. Beige is also similar to the colour of unbleached wool, giving it a natural and organic feel. When paired with navy blue, beige can create a sophisticated and timeless look.

Black:

Black is a bold and dramatic colour that can be used to make a statement. When paired with brown, it can create a modern and elegant look. Black can also be used as an accent colour to add depth and contrast to a room.

Red-Brown:

Red-brown is a warm and vibrant shade that can add energy and richness to your longbow. It is created by combining red and brown pigments and can be paired with colours like mustard yellow, lavender, or apple green for a modern and eclectic look. Red-brown is also associated with elegance and luxury, making it a sophisticated choice for a longbow.

Cream:

Cream is a soft and warm shade that can bring subtle warmth to your longbow. It is similar to beige but with a slightly more yellow undertone. Cream pairs well with brown and can be used to create a neutral and inviting space. It can also be paired with darker colours like chocolate brown for a dramatic and elegant look.

Bone:

Bone is a very light and greyish shade of brown that can be paired with cooler colours like navy blue. It has a slightly greenish undertone, which can complement brown and create a crisp and clean look. Bone is also similar to the colour of parchment, giving it a vintage and elegant feel.

When painting your longbow, consider the overall atmosphere and colour scheme you want to achieve. You can also experiment with different shades and textures to find the perfect combination. Remember that brown is a versatile colour that can be paired with a wide range of colours, so feel free to get creative and express your personal style!

Medieval authenticity

When it comes to painting longbows with a focus on medieval authenticity, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the choice of paint and colours used can help achieve the desired medieval aesthetic. Oil paint mixed with linseed oil or earth pigments like milk paint can create a medieval or primitive look, respectively. The use of milk paint, when thinned, can also give a stain-like effect, showcasing the natural grain of the wood.

For those seeking a more accurate representation of the English longbow, also known as the warbow, the heartwood, or inner side of the bow, is typically a red-brown colour, while the sapwood, or outer side, is a pale cream or beige shade. This two-tone design is said to represent the different types of wood used in the construction of the bow, with the best bows made across the junction of these two woods to utilise their unique properties.

Finally, the finish of the longbow is essential to consider. Clear sealers or natural dyes can be used to protect the wood while maintaining a medieval aesthetic. Natural dyes, in particular, can create unique variations in colour, as each item dyed in the same batch will have slight differences, truly capturing the essence of the medieval period.

Two-tone bows

Two-piece longbows are a great option for archers who want the slim lines of a one-piece bow with the added benefit of easy transport. There are several bowyers that offer this option, including Toelke, Centaur, Sky, Black Widow, Big Jim's Bows, Great Northern Bows, Wes Wallace, and Fox Archery. The take-down mechanism varies between bowyers, with some offering tool-less systems and others requiring a hex wrench for assembly and disassembly.

The Phoenix Longbow is an example of a two-tone, two-piece longbow that utilizes a reflex/deflex design to increase performance and provide a smooth draw. It has a comfortable self-locating grip and a low arrow shelf, making it forgiving and easy to shoot with minimal hand shock. The Phoenix Longbow is designed for archers who appreciate technology but also honour tradition. With a length of 68 inches and a draw weight of 40-70 pounds, this bow is a powerful option for any archer.

Painting arrows

Choosing the Right Paint

The type of paint you choose will depend on the look you want to achieve. If you're going for a primitive or medieval look, consider using earth pigments such as milk paint, which can be thinned to create a stain effect that allows the grain of the arrow shaft to show through. You can also mix milk paint with hide glue for a different finish. Oil paint mixed with linseed oil is another option that fits the medieval theme. For a wider range of colours, you can use acrylic paint, although some people believe this doesn't look as good. Modelling paint, such as that sold by Games Workshop, is also a good choice due to the variety of colours available and its ease of application.

Preparing the Arrows

Before painting, you'll need to prepare your arrows. This includes sanding the arrow shafts to get rid of any marks or imperfections, and ensuring they are cut to the correct length. You'll also need to taper the ends of the shafts to allow for the easy attachment of points and nocks.

Painting Techniques

When painting your arrows, you can get creative and experiment with different patterns and designs. If you want to paint a large portion of the shaft, it's best to do this before attaching the feathers, as gloss paint can cause problems with feather adhesion. You can also try staining your arrows with coloured varnish.

Finishing and Maintenance

After painting, seal your arrows with varnish to protect them from moisture and make them easier to clean. You can use clear varnish or choose a coloured varnish to stain your arrows. To maintain your arrows, wipe them clean after use and check for any damage. If the feathers get wet, you can encourage them to stand up again by holding them over gentle steam from a pan of simmering water.

Frequently asked questions