I have been building my own arrows sense about 95' or so. I used bohning products at first but then swithched to poly or laquer when you could still buy it, with krylon touch ups for cresting. However i have never really been satisfied with the results as I like yellow feathers but I could always see the difference in the shades of yellow. I know its very anal but.... So why do I see so few people posting about using Bohning products, what is the ups and downs? Im not looking for an argument just looking for some insight.
I used Bohning stuff exclusively for years until I went out to Colorado for work and didn't want to reinvest in all the things I have at home here in Michigan. I started making arrows with the wipe-on polys and different paints for cresting. A good tip for consistent cresting is getting the paint thinned just right, which I still don't always do... :banghead:
Always have liked the Bohning stuff, I just wish more colors were available. I've liked the results of the yellow dip paint and yellow Trueflight feathers, they match pretty well...
Damon, I may not have made myself clear, I appologize, I am thinking of switching back to bohning products because they do match well, I just dont dont see many using them on hear and was wondering if I was missing something.
Paul,
I don't think you can go wrong with the Bohning products, although I've heard of other methods/products being used that others like more for whatever reasons. I'm sure some guys with more experience will chime in with their thoughts on it. I hope so, I'm always looking for a better way myself.
I like Bohning paints for for cap dipping and cresting. Some folks do not like the oder so use the water base or spray paints. For me the Bohning products leave a high gloss that I really enjoy. I do use a spray Laq. For painting the cap dip on carbon arrows. The paint is for RC car bodys. I have found that Gasket Laq. Goes over the Model paints very well.
I guess I like to experiment .
I've been using Bohning products for years and continue to do so. Don't think you can beat them for looks and durability. However, I hate to think of how many brain cells I've killed by smelling the vapors, even though I always try to dip and crest in well ventilated areas. When my current supply runs out, probably in a year or two, I may change to something else less toxic.
I have gone back to using Bohning paints and clear coats after trying other products. I just like the compatability and quality of their products.
I have enough damaged brain cells-(I was in my 20's in the 1960's) so I now use water based dips. The Bohning products are great and even though I make arrows mostly outside the smell can be a nuisance.
Todays water based products are improved and a very close second to the conventional oil based stuff. IMO
Bohning products are the best vinyl paint out there. You need a good base coat of white with all colors, not just florescents. White brings out the real colors.
You do need good ventilation or you will get a bit dizzy. Been using Bohning....too many years!
I have used Bohning products before but they can be hard to find in Canada and kindda pricey. I have used tremclad before as well, worked great for doing marble dips. But for ease of clean-up it is tough to beat a quality water based product.
Bohning products are great and work well, but they are not always compatable with non Bohning products. If you're experimenting better test compatabilty first BEFORE commiting to your prized arrows. :banghead:
When I was making arrows comercially during the 80s and 90s and into the 2000s I used Bohning products exclusively. Did some experimentation, with others but always came back to Bohning (Building arrows for compounders' I liked Bohning vanes better than others also )
When I crown dipped arrows,I used there yellow, white and Clear and NEVER had any problems . DO NOT use DUCO with their finishes it does not hold , Use Fletchtite .
They do have fumes and over the years it did affect me and that is why I stopped building arrows by the thousands . MY blood pressure went through the the roof USE IN WELL VENTILATED areas ONLY . I use spray lacquer and other things depending on the arrows I build now not much Bohning but don't build except dozens here and there for my self and kids and friends. Still use some Bohning products
I have used bohnning laquers for many years but they are a bit expensive for me nowadays. If you want a quality product though, their stuff is hard to beat.
Thanks for the responses everyone.