I use Kilz Primer on the crown area and then spray paint them. I use waterbased stain on the front half of the shaft. I crest with testors model car paint. One tip I have is to use a good quality brush. This in one area I do not like to go cheap on.
After I have the shaft primered/painted, stained and crested, I dip the shaft in a water based polyurethane 3 times. I steel wool the shaft between dips.
I apply the feathers and nocks with Duco Cement. I apply the tips with Bohning Ferr.
After the arrow is completed I use pledge on the first foot of the front end. This helps with easy removal from the target. I continue to use pledge for the life of the arrow.
I will post pics later of the arrows I completed this weekend for my son.