Arrow Building Question

[dvsbruce]

I'm getting ready to make my first set of cedar arrows and would like to use only water based paint, stain and sealer. Any recommendations for brands? Thanks!

[frank bullitt]

Any well known brand should work. I used some water based finish once, wasn't real impressed. This was almost 15 years ago.

Be prepared for the grain to raise after the first coat.

[dvsbruce]

Thanks Frank

[Javi]

wasn't real happy with water based (just tried it)... went back to gasket lacquer and oil based stain

[pauljr]

I second the disappointment with waterbased products. The finish was not very durable.

[Easykeeper]

I've been using wipe on poly, oil based stain, Krylon spray for the cap, Whispering Winds paint for the crest.

These are oil based products, except for the WW paint, but go on easily.  The poly has a slight odor but the wipe on application instead of spray or dipping minimizes it.  The spray paint has a little more odor but I do it outside and hang inside to dry so it isn't bad either.  Several years ago I used some water based poly and like other said it didn't hold up very well.  The arrows I've made with these products have turned out great.

[Bjorn]

I dip with a water based poly, works great and does not stink. Raptor archery carries the stuff and you can order on line.

[dvsbruce]

Thanks everyone!

[Rob DiStefano]

i've tried 5 different brands of water based polyu, all bordered on plain terrible when compared to a quality resin based clear.  my go-to polyu is still min wax wipe on gloss, followed by birchwood-casey true oil.  yeah, there's some stink for both, but not all that bad compared to spraying other brands/types of polyu.

[Terry Lightle]

I didnt like water  base.Have used gasket lacquer,but like Minwax better and seems to be durable,Stains and seals good with 2coats