Pro Fin application

[JApple]

Just bought can of Pro Fin for set of Douglas Fir arrows.  Any tips for application?  Soft cloth or brush?  It seems pretty thin so I thought I'd ask people with experience. Also,  can you crest over the first application of Pro Fin and then reapply over cresting or is it better to crest and stain all at once under the Pro Fin. Thanks.

[Jack Denbow]

I dip the shaft in the Pro Fin. I do 3 coats allowing a day in between and steel wooling in between coats. After the cresting has dried I put the arrow back into the crester and brush 2 coats of water based poly, (Minwax Polycritic I think) over just the cresting. The water based poly dries quickly so the second coat can be put on the same day. I have been doing this for more than 20 years, it works for me.
Jack

[bigbadjon]

I agree with Jack. Dipping the shaft is ideal with a finish so thin. Although I would recommend that you crest on the second coat and then do a third dip in the Daly's. After you steel wool the first coat it typically remains pretty smooth.

[snag]

Hi Jack,
  Just curious why you are putting a final coat of polyacrylic?  Is this for compatiability with glue you use for fletching?
Thanks, David

[JApple]

Thanks guys,good info.  Is there any problem redipping after cresting?? instead of using the water-based poly?  Thanks again,

J

[JApple]

Bigbadjon,

thanks for the info.  Ignore my reply above as you answered my question.....

[jonsimoneau]

Yep. Just dip it. Pro Finn is really good stuff!

[Jack Denbow]

David I put the poly just over the crest not over the whole arrow or the whole cap. It is to just protect the crest from smearing. The guy, I can't think of his name right now, that makes the Thunderbird finish tought me this trick. I use Testors for my cresting and the metalic paints will smear if not protected. I use Duco for fletching and I think it is compatiable with just about any finish.
Jack

[snag]

I use the Testor paints for cresting also. I just dip the full shaft the final time over it all and have not had any problems with it smearing. I do use the Testor's acrylic enamel though.

[WESTBROOK]

The oil based metalic enamels will run if dipped in profin ,or any oil based poly, no matter how long you let them dry, only the metalics. So I use an acrylic metalic and regular enamels with no issue.

Eric