Im new to cresting. I typically like to shoot aluminum and wood. For aluminum I have been dipping one coat of polycrylic and then spray painting crown, cresting and few more dips of poly. I wasn't super happy with how the paint bonded. Any suggestions? I have considered the bohning primer but that is pretty spendy.
Here's my first set I ever crested and spliced.
Pretty arrows. I have only been fiddling with basic stuff on my woodies. Dipping or splatter staining.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Sounds like a capability issue. Are all the finishes acrylic? What spray paint are you using? Mixing water based with oil base ?
Quote from: M60gunner on December 18, 2025, 09:31:02 PMSounds like a capability issue. Are all the finishes acrylic? What spray paint are you using? Mixing water based with oil base ?
I use rustoleum paint. I clean the shaft with steel wool and acetone before dipping polycrylic then paint on top the polycrylic. And use testors for crest. For woods I had no issue spraying rustoleom over polycrylic. But with the aluminims it doesnt seem to bind to the shaft as well.
You can try dipping the shafts in clear polyurethane first. That should give you a bonding agent.
Quote from: black velvet on December 19, 2025, 08:14:30 AMYou can try dipping the shafts in clear polyurethane first. That should give you a bonding agent.
Ill give that a try on my next set. Thank you!
They look good to me!
I use the Rustoleum 2X for outdoor use to spray paint the cap on wood and carbon. Can't say I have tried it on aluminum shafts? I see Rustoleum has a spray primer for using the paint on aluminum. That might be an option as well? Personally when I use up what I have left I am going to wraps for everything. I cut my own and crest them. Easier to remove when it's refletch time.
When I started playing with aluminums and cresting around 2012, I just sprayed a base primer, then sprayed rustoleum on them. Was able to crest and fletch on that paint.
Dipping in Bohning paint (thinned with acetone) gives a durable finish that lasts for years. I have shafts that I dipped in the late 80's that are still adhering. Worth the price IMO.