Best way to strip old paint off an arrow?

[shreffler]

Last summer I bought some arrows off a fellow trad ganger, and they're dipped and crested.

I stripped all of the fletchings off, now what's the best way to go about stripping the cap? Tried paint thinner, that didn't work. I could scrape most of it off but that'll make a huge mess and take a lot of time.

The paint is yellow, could I just dip over it? I dont think that'll work well as it will take multiple layers to cover up. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Alex

[The Whittler]

If your arrows are wood you can sand them very carefully but not into the wood. You will have a thin layer of paint left, then repaint/stain.

Carbon the same but you might get all off.

Alum. you can scrap it off.

[Tree Killer]

Have you tried 0000 steel wool?  I've used it several times with success.

[Tree Killer]

Have you tried 0000 steel wool?  I've used it several times with success.

[joe ashton]

For years I have used MEK.  Put it in a a paint tube and dip the arrow in it for about a minute or so and the paint turns to gels and wipes right  off..

[Jock Whisky]

I used lacquer thinner in a dip tube on some old shafts(1960's era) and the paint literally fell off. You need good ventilation.

[Jock Whisky]

I used lacquer thinner in a dip tube on some old shafts(1960's era) and the paint literally fell off. You need good ventilation.

[joe ashton]

For years I have used MEK.  Put it in a a paint tube and dip the arrow in it for about a minute or so and the paint turns to gels and wipes right  off..

[shreffler]

I'll have to get some MEK and let them sit for a while in a tube of it.

Thanks!

[Jon Stewart]

I have stripped an unknown amout of old Bear wood shafts using Mixwax refinisher, 0000 steel wool and a roll of paper towels.  I use the same stuff to remove paint off recurves.  It has not harmed the finish on the arrows or bow and does  a real good job.

I light sand the arrow after it  is stripped and then stain.  There is some real nice cedar under all that paint on Bear arrows.  Been doing this for a few years now with great results.

Takes maybe 20 minutes for 6 shafts.