: Wow, the fabric softener thing is new to me. I would definitely be
: concerned over residue and how it would adversely affect
: adhesion.

I used fabric softener when bending frames on my Melonseed sailboat. I started bending without it and broke 1/2 of all the pieces I tried to bend. After adding softener I broke none. I have had no issues with epoxy or paint adhering to the frames in the four years since I bent them in.

I found having a helper to smoothly bend the wood greatly aided the process and that heavy gloves along with a backing strap are a must.