Advice needed: Cresting paint and lacquer combo

[longbow fanatic 1]

I've been cresting some wood arrows with Testers enamel paint. After cresting,  the cresting paint runs when I apply Minwax wipe on poly or spray on Minwax polyurethane lacquer. Should I be using a water based poly lacquer? What are your tips to avoid cresting paint run-off (cresting paint and lacquer combos)?

[wooddamon1]

Water-based over cresting (Testor's) for me. Dipped/wiped on, either way works if you let the crest dry well before applying. I do this on lacquer dipped shafts.

[longbow fanatic 1]

Damon,

Thanks for the tips. Let me clarify to make sure I understand. After you stain & lacquer dip your shafts, you crest with Testers enamel paints. Once the cresting paint is dry, you apply a Testers water based lacquer, correct?

[Tater]

Dennis,
  I have used minwax polycrylic (SP) water base over testors enamel for years.
  Let the cresting dry overnight and I apply the polycrylic with one of those cheap foam brushes, I usually give it about 3 coats, it drys quick.

[wooddamon1]

Dennis, I use the same as Tater, but I'm sure any brand will work fine.

[wooddamon1]

And yes, that's the order I use. The water-based poly is specifically used to protect the cresting.

[longbow fanatic 1]

Excellent! Thanks, Pat & Damon!

[wooddamon1]

You're welcome, let's see those bad boys when you get done!    

[longbow fanatic 1]

Here is one arrow that didn't runoff as badly as others. There was some runoff on the grey pin striping. I'm just learning how to use my spinrite crester, so they're far from perfect.

   


   

[crazynate]

I also use a water based poly from wherein williams to coat my creating. It's the best thing I have found. I use a dip Tube to apply.i usually do 1 coat but if I made some super fancy I'll do 2. Coats

[crazynate]

Oh just to clarify I use a water based polyurethane. If you use a lacquer it will smear the cresting no matter what

[reddogge]

Yes, lacquer sealer needs to be applied to lacquer paint only.