Painted Crown on Legacy shafts? Photos?

[Bud B.]

For those of you who have crown dipped or sprayed some Legacy shafts( (or any aluminum shaft)  how did you do it, what did you use, and how well has your method held up?

I have a doz 1916s coming from Big Jim and I want a crown on them but wondered what type of paint to use and whether to dip or rattle can spray. Also, does any prep need to be done to the shafts other than cleaning real well with alcohol or similar solution?

What works best with Bohning fetch tape? Paint or wraps?


Some photos of yours would be nice if you want to show off your work.

Thanks.

[Swamp Yankee]

There is quite a bit of information online.  I'd start with Easton's website.  Just jumping in here to suggest NOT using alcohol or any solvent for the final cleaning.  Over many years I've found the tried and true best way to prepare aluminum shafts is to scrub them with Comet or Ajax type of abrasive cleanser followed by a clean water rinse, dry with a clean paper towel and paint within half an hour or less.  Rattle can, lacquer dip or gasket; lots of options to try and find what works for you.  3Rivers is a good source of information and supplies.  Most importantly, have fun!

[Bud B.]

Thanks Dan.

[J. Holden]

I've taken my alluminums to the wire wheel and taken them down to the bare alluminum.  Takes a little time but then I can prime them.  Then I take a rattle can and go to town.  You can tape it off for a crisp line or you can fade it to the finish.  I use Krylon spray paint, a never ending color wheel of options.  Oh, and the I use Duco for the fletchings.  Seems to work the best.

-Jeremy  

[Charlie Lamb]

I clean the area to be dipped with Acetone or MEK until "squeaky" clean. Really! When the shaft is properly clean it will give a high pitched "squeak" when drawn through the solvent soaked paper towel.

Then dip or paint immediately. Scouring powders work fine, but I usually follow up with the acetone anyway.
In the days before hard anodizing an aluminum shaft would oxidize almost faster than you could get it fletched. Cleaning with Ajax or the like was mandatory and you'd have to clean until the shaft quit giving up black streaks on the paper towel or rag.

Fletch Lac was designed in those days just for painting aluminum shafts. (can be used on any material)
It's what I still use today. Fletch Tite works fine with it.    

Tape will adhere to any finish.
   

[joe skipp]

I've always used Bohning paints. You always need a base coat of white for all colors, especially florescents. Thin out to the right consistancy and apply 2 coats.

 

[bigbadjon]

I do the Bohning thing like Charlie and Joe for aluminums. Before I dip the crown I like to first dip it in clear. I find that I get better coverage that way.

[luvnlongbow]

I do mine like this:

Clean with Acetone
Tape off
Spray (Krylon) white primer
Tape area for crest(unless I use white)
Spray top color
Crest
Cover with one coat of Pro-Fin
Install nocks
Fletch using Fletch tape

Works great for me.