cap dipping arrows with spray paint

[STICKBENDER98]

This is a question for all of you who have used spray paint to "cap dip" arrows.  I am wondering which types of paints work better than others, I have only used the bohning paints for dipping & cresting.  I just placed an order with Steve Turay for a  Northern Mist Baraga with green glass and would like to try to match some paint to it on the arrows I ordered from Big Jim's.  Thanks for any info I can get, just wanting to try something new.

[ron w]

On my cedars I use Krylon Lacquer in whatever color I need and then clear Lacquer on the whole shaft. Then Fletch-tite tape and bit of Fletch-tite glue on each end of the feather.....has worked well for me!

[graybarkhunter]

I'll keep an eye on this thread... I need info on this for carbons..and what glue to glue down feathers that won't burn/ bleed thru clear coats and/or spray paint

[A.S.]

The Krylon Fusion (made for plastics) works good on carbons. I go with a base white coat, then whatever color I decide over that. I use clear Polycrylic spray as a top coat.

[RunninWild77]

Honestly I use the 99 cent spray paint from wally world, my routine goes like this, I only shoot wood too.

Minwax stain and seal whatever color I choose. Let dry for 24 hrs.

Rub down with 000 steel wool, then apply 1 coat of minwax fast drying poly in clear gloss, wait 8 hours then apply a second coat. let dry for 24 hrs.

give the shafts another rub of steel wool to make sure they are nice and smooth, then I tape off however far down I want my crest to go with blue painters tape. then use the cheap paint to spray on my crest, let dry about 1 hour in between coats to avoid runs. here is a good time too to expieriment with fades,if you want.

let it dry for at least another 5-6 hours before applying two light coats of poly, otherwise you'll end up smearing your crest. you could use spy on poly here if you want.

after drying make sure your shafts are nice and smooth and dont need another rub down with the steel wool. and your ready to fletch!

[Mike Vines]

When I spray the crown, I use rustoleum enamel.  I like how it takes a minimun of 2 hrs to dry.  It gives the paint time to flow together by not drying to fast, which leaves you with a smooth nearly flawless finish.  After 48hrs dry time(with this paint), I can move on to the next phase of arrow making.

I have learned that arrow making is supposed to be fun, NOT fast.  Sit back, and enjoy the process, and every little detail of it.

[jonsimoneau]

Listen to Mike Vines.  I made a bunch of wood arrows this past summer and used his advice alot.  They came out better than I could imagine.

[bretto]

I had good luck using the KILZ in the spray can for just a white Cap. I'm sure any color would work as long as You clear coat it.

bretto

[reddogge]

I like Krylon Fusion too for carbons. About 2-3 coats steel wooling in between with 0000. Crest, then seal with a couple of coats of Minwax wipe on poly.

[overbo]

I do it a little different w/ woods but I only use the same color fletching as my cap.

After sanding prep.I fletch the shaft w/ Duco glue.Glue right to bare wood!

Tape off the legnth of cap and spray paint the whole fletch end of the arrow.After drying, I work the paint off the fletching.

Then finish staining the shaft to the cap.Seal the arro up to the cap.No need to seal the painted cap,for the paint will seal the wood.

This method saves you alot of time and can be used w/ carbon arros w/ correct paint as mentioned above.

[Jakeemt]

Anyone paint aluminums?

[reddogge]

Originally posted by Jakeemt:
Anyone paint aluminums?

Yes, same process but I sand the cap area first and clean with acetone before spraying cap. give the aluminum some "tooth" to hold the paint.

[Craig]

If you miss a target do you ever get the paint to crack or chip off?

[STICKBENDER98]

Thanks for all the info guys, i certainly appreciate it.  I'm really interested in trying to do the fades, any tips on how to do that?  I've seen some pictures of your arrows Mike, truely works of art.

[Mike Vines]

Just patients and practice.  If you don't have both, you are starting off wrong.  The hard things in life are that way for a reason.  If it were easy, everyone would do it.  Just take your time, and don't rush and you will be way ahead of the curve.

[STICKBENDER98]

Thanks Mike I have been building my own arrows and a few for friend for about 5 years, and it is relaxing, it is my way of getting away from the stress of work.  Just sit down and do what ever comes to mind to see how it turns out.

[graybarkhunter]

Reddoge and/or anybody, what type of glue do you use to attach feathers to the carbon shaft with poly on top of all the capping/cresting..Thanks

[jcar315]

Some sage advice from some top notch arrow makers for sure. Always appreciate when others here share their expertise.

I've painted all 3 types of shafts with super results. For me I have come to prefer the gloss white Lowe's Valspar spray paint. Has performed flawlessly every time.

Some great tips above soi won't repeat but a few more:

1. Really try to avoid the super hot high humidity days for painting.

2. I leave at least 24 hours between coats and sometimes longer.....don't rush.

Making your own arrows is great fun and has added another demension to my enjoyment of trad archery.

Good luck.....don't hesitate to try new things.....have fun!

[jcar315]

Oops!

Forgot to add that I like to use the water based sealer and I put it on with a foam brush. Max control this way.

Love fletch tape.....keep it in the refrigerator for best results. Trust me you can tell!

[TRAP]

I use krylon spray paint, let them dry a couple hours and crest with testors model paint, dip in water based poly a couple times and then let the arrows cure for about 3 days before fletching with Duco cement.

It seems as long as all the chemicals are compatible I never have "runs" "bleed through" etc.

Trap