What is the best wood shaft finish?

[GAstikbow]

Have tried several mentioned here but think I have landed on Pro-Fin. Have used it for the last 3 dz. and plan to use on the next. I can not find any negatives yet.

[Jim Harris]

Thanks to all of you who have shared your arrow finishing idea's. I am going to try some Helmsman spar urethane with a gasket system and see if it fits my needs. Again, Thanks, Jim Harris.

[2fletch]

NorthShoreLB, you said paraffin was the "cheapest, slickest, and fastest to apply". That's interesting, but I have a couple of questions. How do you apply it? and what kind of glue do you use for fletching? and do you have to prep the area where the fletching will be glued?

I like paraffin on a bow but hadn't considered it for arrows.

[NorthShoreLB]

Aply it with a source of heat, I use a gun, But a hair drier is enougth,soak it into the wood , than wipe the excess of, I use flething tape, and no need to prep, It slides of of targer like a charm  

[Jim Harris]

One other thing I need to ask about finishes. Is it ok to use the plastic Big Dipper with the various finishes you tradgangers have recommended? And can I store these finishes in the plastic dippers or do I need to empty them each time. I am not sure if the various finishes will react with plastic dippers. Thanks, Jim.

[Steve H.]

The solvent based finishes don't hurt the Big Dippers.  I get some curing on the upper surface after a hile so you may want to pour back into the can to store more than a week or so.

[Jim Harris]

Thanks, Steve. Time to start trying these ideas. Jim.

[Frank Warnke]

For the past six years I have been using Minwax Polycrylic and it has worked very well.  I dip and store it in a Big Dipper.  As long as the Big Dipper lid is tight, I have had no problems storing it for a about a year.  Usually assemble arrows for the year during February and March.  Two main reasons I have for using it is easy to find and family friendly smell during the dipping and drying process.  I have had no problems keeping the feathers on using easy to find Duco cement.