Crown Dipping Carbon shafts

[BrownA5]

At the suggestion of several of my Tradgang buddies I decided to try "crown dipping" arrows using Krylon spray.  I first tried it out on a GT 5575 and got excellent results.  I then tried it on half dozen new CE 150's and the paint does not want to stick.  In both cases I cleaned the shafts using 91% Isopropyl Alcohol.  I then did my best to remove the paint and then did some light sanding with 220 grit paper.  When I sprayed the shafts the second time I had the same problem.  Anyone have any suggestions on how to fix?  I am all ears!  It must be that "Buff Tuff" finish.

[gto_guy]

Wish I had some I could experiment with for you.I would clean with lacquer thinner and then try a paint adhesion promoter such as "Bulldog".It comes in a spray can and you can get at most auto parts stores.Then paint over the adhesion promoter.If that doesn`t work then I`m at a loss.

[BrownA5]

I appreciate the suggestion.  I will give it a try and see if makes the difference.

[gto_guy]

Let me know.I`d be interested to see if it does the job.Good Luck!

[ChuckC]

I have come to the conclusion that the best and easiest way to "crown dip" a carbom arrow is to use wraps.  So many good reasons, so few bad reasons.
CHuckC

[BrownA5]

Chuck, if I can't make this work I may just join you in that conclusion!  I am not quite ready to throw in the towel just yet.  Thanks for the follow-up!

[Keefer]

Dan,
  I used to Crown dip my arrows and loved doing so just cause it felt more like being custom made by me then just figured I would try the wraps to see what was so easy about them...I called Onestringer who is a sponser here and got 8 dozen of different colors for $18.00 to my door in 3 days...My dip tubes were put away and I saved lots of money not buying different paints,laquer, tubes etc.etc.etc...For what I got in 8 dozen didn't mount up to one can of laquer...If I don't like the color or it peels then I can remove with little effort..I have had arrows with wraps on them for 3 years now and not one single problem and they don't stink and leave me with a hang over after dipping....Sinse I got these from onestringer they haven't even raised their price on the solid colors...Just think you can wrap 12 dozen arrows for $18.00...How many arrows can be dipped with a can of laquer for that same price? Onestringer has others for a higher price and they will do custom wraps also...If you go to their website they even have a sizing chart so your wraps will go around the shaft you are using and if you need help figuring the chart out then just call them and they will help you... God Bless, Keefer's <><

[Patrick55]

Dan,
Carbon Express uses a release agent on the Heritage shafts that cannot be removed with lacquer thinner acetone or alcohol. Not completely anyway. Believe it or not just plain dishwashing soap and warm water works real well. Not sure if this will fix your problem but worth a try.
Hope this helps,
Pat

[Eugene Slagle]

On my aluminums & carbons I sand the area I intend to paint with 1000 grit paper, don't need a lot just a little to get the surface scuffed up & to knock off the over coat that many companies use.

[scedvm]

With carbons I have to agree 100% with Keefer on this one!

[Dan in KS]

Agree with the above input.  Wraps are the way to go on carbons.  Easy to apply, durable, and painless to strip and re-fletch when the time comes.

[Tree Rat]

I've sprayed and dipped CX shafts with Buff Tuff (Heritage and Terminator Hunter selects)with great results. At one time CX said to use MEK for prepping shafts and that is what I use.

[BrownA5]

I am just getting back on this evening and wow, I really appreciate all the input.

Tree Rat, you mentioned MEK.  What is that and where can I find it?  Thanks!

I will also give the warm soapy water a try tomorrow morning as suggested by Patrick.

[Tree Rat]

Methyl Ethyl Keytone. Paint stores, maybe good hardwares still. Potent stuff, buy gloves.

[BrownA5]

Thanks Tree Rat for the response.  I had never heard of the stuff!  Patrick55 had suggested warm water and soap and with a scotch guard scrubber it worked great!

Thanks again for all the help!