Removing old paint from Wood Arrows

[ncheels]

Question for you arrow makers.  What's the best, fastest way to remove old cap/cresting paint from a wood shaft?
I tried a paint thinner but it did nothing.  Maybe there are different kinds and I'm using the wrong kind.  Any sure fire, quick paint removers out there that won't bother the wood shaft?

[Fletcher]

Try hitting it with sandpaper first.  Old paint is pretty tough, but LT will usually get through it if you get most of it sanded down.  You could try some paint strippers, too.  I hate stripping shafts.

[magnus]

A wipe on paint stripper works great. I've done hundreds that way. Wipe on let sit about 15 min and wipe off. Repeat as needed. It's messy and strong odor so do outside with good ventilation. This stuff is nasty so use good solvent proof rubber gloves. It's easier to just get new shafts but there's something about bringing old arrows back to life. I've tried every way possible and this was the easiest for me.

[ncheels]

I was hoping to avoid sanding.  I've done that before and it's such a chore.  Was hoping to strip go.  Any particular paint stripper Magnus?  I have a Lowes, Home Depot, and Walmart close to me.
    For me, I've restored old arrows before and got a lot of fulfillment out of it.  Very satisfying.  And being on a budget, I need to use what I have, even if it is easier to get new shafts.

[Biathlonman]

I just stripped a dozen that I didn't like.  Was new paint but can't imagine it being much different.  Used the orange citristrip or something like that from Walmart.  Worked great.  Messy but no harsh odors.

[ncheels]

Thanks man.  Read your reply then looked it up.  I'll definitely go get it and try it.

[Jon Stewart]

I have been using a refinisher and 0000 steel wool.  Takes the paint off without affecting the arrow. I have stripped  many old Bear arrows and found some really nice cedar under all that paint.

Refinisher NOT restorer. Two completely different products.  Works on taking the paint off from bows also and again without affecting the clear finish on the bow.

Rubber gloves and paper towels are a must!

[M60gunner]

Thanks Jon, I have some old Acme arrows that were camo'ed with spray paint. Going to give the refinisher a shot.
ncheels, good thread, thanks guys for this helpful thread.
Tom M

[LittleBen]

Amother thought, just lightly sand, and then paint over ....

[ncheels]

That would be a good idea Ben.  But in my case, these arrows are fully painted and I want to remove it all and maybe add only a cap.  So I need the full removal method.

[PowDuck]

Try spray on GoofOff Graffti Remover. That stuff is da bomb! I stripped a painted bow in less than half an hour.

[mahantango]

Zip Strip. I've done dozens with it. Coat about 10" of the shaft at a time, when it starts to soften scrape with a plastic scraper, repeat

[T Lail]

the orange smelling stripper in the spray can works great....USE GOOD GLOVES, that stuff is brutal on your hands.....

[ncheels]

Thanks very much for the info guys.  Tried the orange citristrip spray.  Worked like a charm.  I've now got 10 lovely bare shafts waiting to be crested and sealed.
   Appreciate the help!

[Kelly]

Have never tried to re-finish a wood arrow-figure if the paint/cresting gets worn over time and use it is no different than me. We all age!  

[ncheels]

They turned out nice.  Look good as new  

   

[Tim Finley]

I bought some old shafts at the coon rapids shoot . They were dipped full lenght in yellow or white paint . I made a tray out of aluminum foil and done 6 at a time covered them with acetone soaked a bout 5 min. and the paint ran off . Just wiped with a paper towel and I had the most beautiful shafts, old premiums that were so burnished and hard they just shined .....Tim

[ncheels]

Tim,
Thanks for that idea.  Those in the picture were dipped full length in yellow as well.  But I will use your foil tray idea next time.  Much easier clean up I'm sure.  My shafts here are from the late 60s and sound just like yours.  Hopefully I'll be able to rework them soon and show the "after" photo.

[ncheels]

Just wanted to give an update on the re-finishing project.  Here's the pictures.  This is why I love refinishing old arrows.  Puts a smile on my face when it's done  
Looking forward to shooting them.
    Now I will say this.  My hats off you to experienced cresters.  This is my first cresting job.  Just got a used Bohning Pro crester and did these.  There is a REAL learning curve to this.  I included a close up to show the flaws.  That's really tough to get cresting to match, arrow after arrow.  Not to mention just factoring in human error.  So I definitely need to work on that.