Tips on cresting carbons?

[John C Keith]

Hey all,

I am planning ahead on capping/cresting a set of carbons as a gift for my brother in law.  I have been reading old posts here for the past hour and have one unanswered question.

What do you use to clean the shafts before capping/cresting?  I was planning on using the Bohning SSR but wondered if there is a better (and possibly cheaper) alternative.  

Your thoughts?

-- John

[SOS]

I usually scuff the end lightly with steel wool or very fine grit paper, then wipe clean with acetone.  I mask it, spray the cap and crest it with an electric drill.

[Matty]

I lightly Scuff with Steel Wool, and Use Rubbing Alcohol, My Crest Is done with Spray Paint, even the Flames... and One coat of Clear Spray, The Paint has never Chipped Or Flaked Unless I scrape it to remove a feather, then it looks even Nicer


 
 

[cajuntec]

I'm stubborn.  I don't try finding other alternatives, simply because the system I use works so well - Bohning SSR, Bohning stain (on woodies), Bohning cresting lacquer, Bohning dipping lacquer, Bohning thinner, Fletch Tape, Bohning Fletch-Tite Platinum on the ends.  I don't substitute anything, and the system has worked flawlessly for me.

I know there are ways to save a bit of money, but it just works well to go with a proven system for me.

All the best,
Glenn

[Smallwood]

after many attempts at using everything from sandpaper, to acetone, to 91%alcohol, i now use the bohning ssr and it works better than anything else i have tried. and one bottle will probably last you for 10 doz arrows .

[Bonebuster]

For what its worth, I have been using regular Comet powder cleanser.

Get a paper towel wet, sprinkle a little comet in a line in the towel, re-moisten the comet, and wrap the shaft in the towel full of comet and scrub. It is somewhat abrasive, and seems to clean
the surface of the shaft very well. Once I have scrubbed the shaft very good, I rinse the shaft and wipe it dry with a clean paper towel.

Never had a problem with Bohning paints sticking.
Many of my Carbonwood shafts have been in service for several years, wearing the original white dip.

I was always worried about harsh acetone type solvents attacking the integrity of the shaft.

[Billy]

I use drywall sanding mesh, wipe down with alcohol, spray paint cap then mask for "cresting".
Haven't sealed any of them with clear yet, if  wanna change colors ; I start over..

[hickstick]

I believe  CX recommends denatured alcohol.  its what I usually use (mostly cause I have it on hand)

[sweet old bill]

I use the denatured alcohol and then let air dry, the mask off for the crown  area, dip and hang on a line to dry.