Wood Arrow - Finish Application

[Rossco7002]

I've been experimenting with wood arrows for my longbows to see what shoots well before ordering some customs and I've been fortunate enough that some unfinished shafts have been donated to my cause.

As a result I've made up a dip tube using some PVC pipe and old bicycle tire inner tube as a gasket for the top. I punched a hole in it with an old 1916 aluminium.

I've now applied 10 coats of water based varathane using this method (with the gasket wiping off excess as I remove the arrow from the tube).

The finish still looks very light to my eye when compared to some pre-finished shafts I already have. When do I know I'm good to stop adding coats?

Is this application method OK or does my improvised gasket wipe off too much finish?

[Bud B.]

I started with a gasket just like you describe; homemade inner tube type. I never liked the finish. I tossed the gasket and applied two-three coats of glossy wipe on useing a dip tube. I love the finish Minwax wipe-on poly gives from a dip tube. It's nearly bomb-proofing for the shafts.

I use full strength wipe-on straight from the can.

[WESTBROOK]

As far as I know gaskets are used only with laquer. With poly you are just wiping off the coat you just dipped.

I just dip them in the tube, let them drip off for 30 sec or so and hang them on my rack to finish dripping and dry.

Eric

[frankwright]

I have never used a gasket either and if you have applied 10 coats I would agree it is not working.
I get the best finish dipping with poly acrylic but just Minwax
wiped on works well too.

[Hud]

Cap Dip: I thinned the product so it will run off the shaft fast enought to avoid a build up at the nock/point. Let it dry and repeat if it is too thin. Avoid mixing different products, experiment first.

Don't shake the product, stir and pour into the dip tube and allow air bubbles to surface before dipping. Keep the lid on, or use clear wrap, and clean out the tube, too keep the solids from building up inside. If you have lids, and you keep them full, store inverted to prevent air from getting inside. Good for short periods.

Forward Dip: first stain, let dry and then clear dip, or just clear dip. Again, thin so it runs off quickly (5-10 seconds). Repeat the clear coat.

some products (stains, sealers) are better, or easier to wipe on.

There are many different products. Experiment with some or get specific recommendations. Stay with water based products. Don't use Bohning with other products.

[Overspined]

Like Westbrook said, I dip with the water based poly, and started using gloss. Dip, hang, done. Dull with 000 steel wool if you like.  I do 3 coats on hunting shafts, 2 on target, but may just stick to 2 for all.

Also, I hear varying results with gasket lacquer. I have been told that shafts aren't sealed well without a ton of coats...I've never used it.

[Stumpkiller]

I put on two coats of MinWax ployurethane with a rag.

[Rossco7002]

Thanks for the input guys. Dipped 'em straight in without the gasket earlier tonight and results look much better already.