Best cresting paint for aluminum arrows

[Homey88]

What is the best cresting paint for aluminum arrows? Thanks in advance.

[reddogge]

I use any acrylic paint, model paint from hobby shops, etc. But I'm cresting over a Rustoleum spray painted cap too. I lightly sand the aluminum and clean with acetone.

[wooddamon1]

Testor's enamel model paints for me. Some colors need thinning, the metallic colors don't. I use these over a Krylon spray cap, then overcoat the entire fletch end with Min-Wax water-base poly. Holds up well. Oh, a flat white base under everything.

[mahantango]

Hi Mike. I scuff with Scotchbrite, clean with denatured alcohol,cap with Rust-Oleum, and crest with Testors model paint.

[Homey88]

Thanks everyone for the feedback greatly appreciated as always!

[Tim Hoeck]

I use the Sharpe markers and all kind of colors and can touch up reall easy.

[Tim Hoeck]

I use the Sharpe markers and all kind of colors and can touch up real real easy

[Steve Clandinin]

I,ve been doing aluminums now for 45 years have used every paint there is .now I use one stringer raps as good as it gets lookn unreal ,so easty to apply and Platinum fletch lac sticks like crazy I would never use paints again .One stringer comes in a cuzillion patters and cut for evert shaft diameter. nothing better

[Homey88]

Thanks for the feedback! Going to check out the one stringer wraps.

[M60gunner]

I have always used Bohning Fletch Laq paints since forever. Messy, stinky, all the negatives to using paint but the best there is. Made for painting aluminums. Actually not but for our purposes it is. All that said I now use wraps as well. Cheaper, no mess, no fuss, no drying time. I crest over them. So far I have used as cresting paint, Bohning Cresting paints, Pactra RC car paints and Testors Acrylic paints. The latter was the cheapest and I got a whole set for about $12 at the crafts store. Whatever I use I wait about 8 hours and apply with a foam brush MinWax Polycrillic waterbased. Usually one coat. My glue of choice is Saunders NPV glue

[Hud]

Easton recommended cleaning aluminum shafts with water and Ajax. I have used ever since, 50 yrs. Use a paper towel and keep your fingers off. Rinse and let dry. Drying with a paper towel is ok.
It removes the oxidation and does not leave a film that you commonly see when cleaning windows. For a crown dip, I like a vinyl based lacquer used in various industries that paint metal. Next is Bohning, but you'll need an approved respirator. Most lacquers will work for cresting, except with Bohning, only their cresting paints will work.
wraps may be the way to avoid the problems.