Question for you arrow builders

[pauljr]

I have been building my own arrows sense about 95' or so. I used bohning products at first but then swithched to poly or laquer when you could still buy it, with krylon touch ups for cresting. However i have never really been satisfied with the results as I like yellow feathers but I could always see the difference in the shades of yellow. I know its very anal but.... So why do I see so few people posting about using Bohning products, what is the ups and downs? Im not looking for an argument just looking for some insight.

[wooddamon1]

I used Bohning stuff exclusively for years until I went out to Colorado for work and didn't want to reinvest in all the things I have at home here in Michigan. I started making arrows with the wipe-on polys and different paints for cresting. A good tip for consistent cresting is getting the paint thinned just right, which I still don't always do...        

Always have liked the Bohning stuff, I just wish more colors were available. I've liked the results of the yellow dip paint and yellow Trueflight feathers, they match pretty well...

[pauljr]

Damon, I may not have made myself clear, I appologize, I am thinking of switching back to bohning products because they do match well, I just dont dont see many using them on hear and was wondering if I was missing something.

[wooddamon1]

Paul,

I don't think you can go wrong with the Bohning products, although I've heard of other methods/products being used that others like more for whatever reasons. I'm sure some guys with more experience will chime in with their thoughts on it. I hope so, I'm always looking for a better way myself.

[M60gunner]

I like Bohning paints for for cap dipping and cresting. Some folks do not like the oder so use the water base or spray paints. For me the Bohning products leave a high gloss that I really enjoy. I do use a spray Laq. For painting the cap dip on carbon arrows. The paint is for RC car bodys. I have found that Gasket Laq. Goes over the Model paints very well.
 I guess I like to experiment .

[Orion]

I've been using Bohning products for years and continue to do so.  Don't think you can beat them for looks and durability.  However, I hate to think of how many brain cells I've killed by smelling the vapors, even though I always try to dip and crest in well ventilated areas. When my current supply runs out, probably in a year or two, I may change to something else less toxic.

[meathead]

I have gone back to using Bohning paints and clear coats after trying other products.  I just like the compatability and quality of their products.

[Bjorn]

I have enough damaged brain cells-(I was in my 20's in the 1960's) so I now use water based dips. The Bohning products are great and even though I make arrows mostly outside the smell can be a nuisance.
Todays water based products are improved and a very close second to the conventional oil based stuff. IMO

[joe skipp]

Bohning products are the best vinyl paint out there. You need a good base coat of white with all colors, not just florescents. White brings out the real colors.

You do need good ventilation or you will get a bit dizzy. Been using Bohning....too many years!

[V I Archer]

I have used Bohning products before but they can be hard to find in Canada and kindda pricey.  I have used tremclad before as well, worked great for doing marble dips.  But for ease of clean-up it is tough to beat a quality water based product.

[iohkus]

Bohning products are great and work well, but they are not always compatable with non Bohning products. If you're experimenting better test compatabilty first BEFORE commiting to your prized arrows.  

[deaddoc4444]

When I was making arrows comercially   during the 80s and 90s  and into the 2000s  I used Bohning products exclusively. Did some experimentation, with others but always came back to Bohning (Building arrows for compounders' I liked Bohning vanes better than others also )
    When I crown dipped arrows,I used there yellow, white and Clear and NEVER had any problems .  DO NOT use DUCO with their finishes  it does not hold ,  Use Fletchtite  .
    They do have fumes and   over the years it did affect me and that is why I stopped building arrows by the thousands .    MY blood pressure went through the the roof  USE IN WELL VENTILATED areas ONLY .    I use  spray lacquer  and other things depending on the arrows I build now  not much Bohning   but don't build  except   dozens here and there for my self and kids and friends. Still use some Bohning products

[RkyMtn Joe]

I have used bohnning laquers for many years but they are a bit expensive for me nowadays.  If you want a quality product though, their stuff is hard to beat.

[pauljr]

Thanks for the responses everyone.