Gasket Lacquer Cracking?

[Old Gobbler 1]

Wondering if anyone else has had a problem with the gasket lacquer cracking then chipping off of their wooden arrows? Not sure if it`s the cold temperatures or another problem. Notice a number of rings that begin after a few shots eventually leading to small chips that actually break right off. Any suggestions or ideas?

[rraming]

I have had shafts develop cracks after a year or more - I figured those shaft had to thick of a coat of lacquer on them, maybe a worn hole in the gasket, maybe the lacquer was too thick and needed to be thinned, maybe too many coats. I have never really known why it happens but once in awhile a batch cracks. I have never had any chip off - just fine cracks.

[macbow]

The problem is that GL isn't water proof for one thing. Once a small crack developers moisture will do the rest easily.

Gave up on GL a long time ago.
It's only advantage is speed of drying and looks good.

[M60gunner]

I am also rethinking my use of GL. Seems the only arrows that I have had no issues lately are carbons I sprayed with Pactra RC car paint, crested, then dipped in GL.
This subject was brought up a while ago and some comments were made about a possible formula change? I my case it started with a can I got about June of last year.

[Bear Heart]

Profin

[Mike Vines]

When I started building arrows, I was told that "Friends don't let friends use gasket laquer".  For once I listed to others and have not tried it.

[Paul_R]

Not to hijack the thread but are there alternatives to GL that can be dipped?

[Gordon Jabben]

I agree that the gasket is worn out and you're putting it on to heavy.  Also you don't want to pull the arrow through the gasket too fast.  I like using gasket lacquer but wish I could still get it in orange.

[Old Gobbler 1]

Might be that I put too many coats on at about 7 real thin one`s. Thinking maybe the cold weather at about 5 degrees might of caused it but just trying to see if other`s experienced this. distinct rings from feathers to nock about a 1/2in. apart. Any good way of removing the lacquer from the arrow. This was my first attempt at wooden arrows and they turned out beautiful and shoot well but this is a problem...

[3R Shooter]

Normally see this what it is put on too thick. I have it on some of my very, very old wood arrows (when I first started building really).

I normally put three coats on of Gasket Lacquer these days. I find it is enough protection with that small amount.

[Eric Krewson]

Bottom line, GL isn't what it once was. I loved it back in the day but subsequent batches put on by every conceivable method have failed me. New gasket, old gasket, letting the first coat cure overnight, thin coats, thick coats, they all crack. I threw out my Gl dipper the other day, no more of the stuff for me.

The above experience has been common among guys using GL from what I have read on the archery boards in the last few years.

[jr1959]

Paul R:  Kustom King carries a  acrylic product that can be used for open dipping and works with the squegge system too.  I have not yet tried this product.  
I have had mixed results with gasket lacquer, experienced some peeling and cracking.  Don't use gl over oil base stains.

[MO Bow]

Putting it on too thick will do it to you, but moisture is the biggest problem with GL.

I made 2 dozen arrows for myself before I moved to SE AK, all dipped in GL.  I left a dozen with my folks in MO and brought a dozen with me.  Since it rains in SE AK ALL THE TIME, they got wet every time I shot.  After a couple of weeks of getting wet for the first time, they cracked.  The set I left in MO have been shot just as much, but haven't cracked because they didn't get wet.....yet.

I have a gallon of ProFin waiting for me in the garage for any more arrows that I make in the future.  I threw away all my GL supplies...won't use it again.  Although my arrows have lasted 3 years even with the cracks, nobody wants to have that kind of flaw on their arrows.

Adam

[TOEJAMMER]

Same experience here.  3 coats with the rubber gasket not worn and after a number of shots cracks developed.  None exposed to rain or wet conditions.  Gave up on it.

[countrygirl]

How do you put the ProFin on,brush ?

[rraming]

Originally posted by countrygirl:
How do you put the ProFin on,brush ?

you can dip with it

[LBR]

The epoxy finish is the best I've used.  About as easy as GL, but don't need any special equipment unless you want to crest.

[NY Yankee]

Gasket lacquer is NOT a good finish for arrows. Use something like polyurethane or spar urethane. I use gloss for best protection. If you want dull, buff it and wax it. Works great, cheap, no dipper needed, easy to do.