arrow stains

[blueline]

Looking at some stains and finishes at a big box store,  If it says staines seals and protects is that enough for wood arrows or does it still need a better sealer? I am looking at the min wax sealer, Does it need to be mixed with anything?

thanks for your input

blueline

[Pat B]

MinWax sealer is probably a stain and varnish together. It should work but I prefer to stain first and seal after.     Pat

[Don Stokes]

blueline, it sounds like you're talking about the Minwax penetrating sealer, which comes with or without stain. It will leave very little on the surface of the wood, so you need a top coat. My current set was coated twice with the penetrating sealer followed by 4 coats of gasket lacquer. I have arrows made this way that have given no problems for a decade.

[blueline]

Thanks for your input.  I have tried the water based stains with good results, just looking at what I have at hand. I will use the stains and get the gasket sealer set up again.

blueline

[Don Stokes]

Blueline, my gasket lacquer has been sitting in the dip tube for years. It thickens up, but when I want to use it I pour acetone on the surface and work it in with an old shaft. Once mixed it is thinned to the proper consistency and works just fine.

[B4NZ41]

I use miniwax stain/sealer, but I usually put a coat of poly over it anyways. Makes it smoother.

[JARHEAD1371]

I have taken a pouch of chewing tobacco, emptied it into a pot, and boiled it for a few min. Then just drain off the mushy tobacco and you have enough stain to do hundreds of shafts. Dip and seal with any paint and sealer.

[OkKeith]

George,

I would like to see the color you get with your tobacco stains! Any pictures?

OkKeith