Dipping and cresting carbons

[huntingwolf]

Allright guys I would like some sugestions. I am planing on using carbons for the first time and I would like to dip and crest these arrows. I know about arrow wraps but just seem to like the idea of dipping and creating my own color scemes. I will be using Grizzly sticks and am woundering how to keep the paint out of the inside of the shaft during dipping process. Also any pics of finished carbons using this method would be nice to see. Thanks for any help!  

[Mo. Huntin]

More power to you. I never thought about keeping paint out of the nock end before.  I bet I could do some pretty neat stuff with tape and a can of spraypaint. I usually just paint white and fletch yellow. I think both methods would be an enjoyable way to make some good lookin arrows.

[Brently]

They make a soft silicone plug that fits in the end of the shaft so the paint won't go inside when you dip it, then when the paint is dry it peels right off of the plug.  I think 3 Rivers sells them.  If not just make you some out of silicone (RTV) they should work great.

[A.S.]

I have just whittled down small golf pencils for the plug before when I dipped them. Now I just use spray lacquer and don't have to worry about it....much cheaper, quicker, and less mess!!

[Peachey]

You need to dip them in flat white for the first coat. Dipping plugs are the way to go, I have some I hav'nt used in several years. PM me your address I'll send them to you. I got rid of all my dipping tubes and have no use for them. Steve.

[La. bowhunter]

If you work in a factory of some type the foam earplug that are provided work great.

[Paul Mattson]

If you go with the dipping plugs, get yourself some of the micro's for the Grizzly Stiks.  A word of caution, it you are using Bohning products make sure to use it in a very well ventilated area.  If you are going to be in the area for any amount of time, get yourself a Organic Vapor respriator.

[M60gunner]

I would make sure you rough up and clean the area you want paint to stick to. I gave up dipping the Carbon Express shafts because no matter what I tried for prepping, the paint "ran off" after a few minutes. Now I know others who have been sucessful dipping their shafts and used their comments on "how to" on my shafts.
I now use spray paint that is used for RC race cars. Only thing wrong with it is it has a dull finish.
 I also caution you to use the Bohning paints in a well ventilated area. If you are not used to chemical oders the paints will make you light headed.

[Bob Sarrels]

I like to chrest carbons.  The Bohning product did not work well for me on carbons so I went to the hobby shop and bought Testors model paints.  It works like a champ and is nice and glossy.  You can get a really fine line too if you use those little toothpick dental floss combination gadgets.  Just put some paint on a brush and wipe some on the dental floss section.  It gives you a real hairline.

[OkKeith]

William,

I cap dip and/or crest all my carbons as well. I don't actually dip them. Like Bob suggested I use the Testors brand spray enamel for the cap dip and the same brand model paints for cresting.

For prep, I wipe down the shaft with acetone. This works well to remove any labels or other gunk that may hinder the paint from sticking. I basecoat with flat white once, then mist on the first color coat. I finish up with an even color coat. I have never had any problems with the paint coming off or not being durable (I may just be lucky though).

I have no experience with the Grizzly Stik arrows. If I remember right they are made differently (or with a different kind of carbon) than other carbon arrows. Not sure how, or even if this is an issue. Here is a picture of some of my arrows. I just finished a new dozen a while back I will post some pictures of later.

OkKeith

   

[Daddy Bear]

OkKeith, are you using Duco or tape for the fletch?

Thanks!

[KSdan]

GT trads had no problem with regular dip. Just clean them with lacquer thinner. To plug the shaft I have just used a nock in place-not tight.  Immediately after I dip- I simply pull it out and use it on the next shaft.  Use Testors for cresting.

[OkKeith]

Gary,

I use the fletch tape, then put a dot of thin superglue at the front and back of each feather.

Never had any problems.

OkKeith

[Plumber]

If you can find a spray paint you like its all around better quicker cleaner lower odor probally safer. just rap some news paper around the shaft an spray your crest good luck on what ever you decide to do its lots of fun an adds a real nice personal touch to your tackel.

[jrchambers]

yeah carbons need no more than a spray can to look great.  i like to put a thin coat of some clear over the cresting and cap just for durabilaty.

[Thueb]

I dipped a half dzn Grizzlystik's a couple of weeks ago.  I had some problems with Bohning paint not sticking to the slick finish on the stiks.  I'm not sure if that was becasue I was in the garage and it was cold, or due to the finish but to fix the problem, I just sanded the finish off the back part of the shaft, where I was planning to dip, all the way to the carbon.  Just be sure to rinse away all the dust, otherwise it turns a white dip kinda pinkish (don't ask how I know that).  Anyhow, I've always used cheapo earplugs for keeping the paint out of my carbon shafts.  Cut one plug in half and you can get two shafts for one plug.  I can't figure out how to post a picture otherwise I'd you the dipped Grizzlystik shafts.

[Joel Darnell]

I just use the nock covered with masking tape as a plug. I don't dip them though I use spray paint.

[rodlonq]

Glad this thread is still in the archives.  I am about to have my first venture into carbons but I like a lot of white so I can see them land.  Will be spraying on enamel caps before fletching. Might even put some cresting on too.  Thanks

Cheers... Rod