Experimented with Feather Waterproofing

[joe skipp]

Had a chance yesterday to experiment with water proofing feathers. Since rain was in the forecast along with snow, thought I would spray down 2 old arrows and leave them outside overnight.

First product is called Special Delivery, specifically made for dry flies. 2oz container Mfg by Black County Laboratories. Available in most good fly fishing shops.

Second product is called Pyroil Silicone Lubricant.
A Valvoline product. Comes in a 10 oz can. Available in most good hardware stores.

Both products have a strong odor when first sprayed but that wore off in about 5 minutes. A good reason to waterproof the night before. Left the arrows out all night and was impressed with both products.

Feathers were in good shape, not matted and relatively dry. Threw Judo's on them and they shot perfect. Highly recommend either product. Not sure of the cost as these were given to me to experiment with. The 2 oz Special Delivery would be easier to carry in the field "just in case" you get caught out in a downpour.

[southpawshooter]

I have used dry fly dope and found it works well too.

[LA Trapper]

Joe,

What did you stick your feathers with, glue or tape?  If so, what kind of glue?

Some products create issues for the tape.  I have tried several products in the past.  The best was the clear bottle with the brush in it made by I think Boning years ago. I can't find it anymore.   I tried the powder.  It may work in dryer climates but in LA it is useless.  I have tried it several times to make sure it was not a fluke. No success. I purchased some dry fly stuff from Bass Pro. It had marginal performance.  

I guess I am looking for the deluge proof stuff.  

A guy here in LA had some stuff called Duck Oil.  Very expensive. You could soak your feathers in a deep puddle and pull them out later and they looked like new. Never did get a line on that stuff.

A lot depends on the adhesive you use. You can create issues for yourself with the tape with some products.

Did the Pyroil come in a aersol can?  Did you leave your arrows out in the rain over night or just outside under a cover in the humidity?  Wood, aluminum or carbon arrows?

Enough questions?  LOL!!!

Thanks for revisiting and testing.

Billy

[lpcjon2]

I love the food grade silicone.

[Bjorn]

I tried the powder made to keep fletch dry-it does keep them dry but turns feathers into vanes.

I use a product called Black Magic-works but it takes a full week for the stink to leave.

I'm gonna try the food grade silicone; any particular brand?

[stagetek]

Try No-Snow. It's a spray, and it's the best there is in my opinion.

[joe skipp]

No Snow works also, used it for a few years. Dave Pagel informed me it's just the label NO Snow, really a different product that sells a lot cheaper than the No Snow.

Billy....I used Fletch Tite glue, all arrows were crown dipped with Bohning paint and I left them outside, exposed to the elements. Now, we didn't have torrential downpours just a slow, steady, cold rain.

With so many water proofing products out there, I was just experimenting with these 2. The Pyroil comes in a large 10oz spray can. Years ago I tried the powder, couldn't stand the stuff. Feathers got too brittle.

[southpawshooter]

I have used dry fly dope and found it works well too.

[southpawshooter]

Not sure how I got the double post??

[lpcjon2]

Bjorn, Keln is the brand I use and get it at True Value hardware stores. There are some other brands on the net that will work. That powder stuff dried my hands out as well.

[Zradix]

Still been meaning to try the good food grader silicone spray like lpcjon2 uses.

I've been really pretty happy with a product called water shed. it's a clear liquid that comes in a visine like bottle.

you just drip some out along the base of the feather and watch it wick to the top.
I have found a double application makes a big difference.

has a faint small when applied but after a couple hours it dries and I can't small it a all.

it does stiffen the feathers just a little bit...but not much at all.

[LA Trapper]

lpcjon2,

One coat or two coats?  Mist or saturate the feathers?

I have some of the silicon lubricant WalMart sells for my rubber gaskets inside my doors and windows of my autos. Is food grade a better formula?

Billy

[Two Dogs]

I've used Womens unscented hairspray for yrs. seems to work pretty well. Stylish too!  :D

[LongbowArchitect]

I tried 2 coats of unscented hairspray on my fletching last fall and hunted in drizzly rain for one day.  Didn't work at all.  My feathers were totally soaked and laying flat on my shafts.  I'll try the silicone spray next.

[lpcjon2]

Originally posted by LA Trapper:
lpcjon2,

One coat or two coats?  Mist or saturate the feathers?

I have some of the silicon lubricant WalMart sells for my rubber gaskets inside my doors and windows of my autos. Is food grade a better formula?

Billy

Food grade doesnt have the harsh chemical additive that standard silicone lubricants have. I spray them in the beginning of the season and middle. It last and works great on the front end of target arrows for easy removal.One coat gets them pretty saturated. I also spray it on my arm gaurd, glove, and rubber boots as well.

[luvnlongbow]

Any information about which product will work with the tape without any bad affects?

[Zradix]

I've had no problems with tape using water shed.

[Bear Heart]

Where do you get food grade silicone?  Out here we know about rain.

[widow sax]

Revivex air dry waterproofing spray by Gear Aid is the best waterproofing I have ever seen it is amazing on anything clothes,boots and feathers.   Widow    PS Guander MT sells the stuff