Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: shreffler on March 01, 2015, 04:57:00 PM

Title: Best way to strip old paint off an arrow?
Post by: shreffler on March 01, 2015, 04:57:00 PM
Last summer I bought some arrows off a fellow trad ganger, and they're dipped and crested.

I stripped all of the fletchings off, now what's the best way to go about stripping the cap? Tried paint thinner, that didn't work. I could scrape most of it off but that'll make a huge mess and take a lot of time.

The paint is yellow, could I just dip over it? I dont think that'll work well as it will take multiple layers to cover up. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Alex
Title: Re: Best way to strip old paint off an arrow?
Post by: The Whittler on March 01, 2015, 06:53:00 PM
If your arrows are wood you can sand them very carefully but not into the wood. You will have a thin layer of paint left, then repaint/stain.

Carbon the same but you might get all off.

Alum. you can scrap it off.
Title: Re: Best way to strip old paint off an arrow?
Post by: Tree Killer on March 01, 2015, 09:36:00 PM
Have you tried 0000 steel wool?  I've used it several times with success.
Title: Re: Best way to strip old paint off an arrow?
Post by: Tree Killer on March 01, 2015, 09:37:00 PM
Have you tried 0000 steel wool?  I've used it several times with success.
Title: Re: Best way to strip old paint off an arrow?
Post by: joe ashton on March 01, 2015, 10:57:00 PM
For years I have used MEK.  Put it in a a paint tube and dip the arrow in it for about a minute or so and the paint turns to gels and wipes right  off..
Title: Re: Best way to strip old paint off an arrow?
Post by: Jock Whisky on March 01, 2015, 10:22:00 PM
I used lacquer thinner in a dip tube on some old shafts(1960's era) and the paint literally fell off. You need good ventilation.
Title: Re: Best way to strip old paint off an arrow?
Post by: Jock Whisky on March 01, 2015, 10:20:00 PM
I used lacquer thinner in a dip tube on some old shafts(1960's era) and the paint literally fell off. You need good ventilation.
Title: Re: Best way to strip old paint off an arrow?
Post by: joe ashton on March 01, 2015, 10:56:00 PM
For years I have used MEK.  Put it in a a paint tube and dip the arrow in it for about a minute or so and the paint turns to gels and wipes right  off..
Title: Re: Best way to strip old paint off an arrow?
Post by: shreffler on March 02, 2015, 08:11:00 AM
I'll have to get some MEK and let them sit for a while in a tube of it.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Best way to strip old paint off an arrow?
Post by: Jon Stewart on March 02, 2015, 10:55:00 AM
I have stripped an unknown amout of old Bear wood shafts using Mixwax refinisher, 0000 steel wool and a roll of paper towels.  I use the same stuff to remove paint off recurves.  It has not harmed the finish on the arrows or bow and does  a real good job.

I light sand the arrow after it  is stripped and then stain.  There is some real nice cedar under all that paint on Bear arrows.  Been doing this for a few years now with great results.

Takes maybe 20 minutes for 6 shafts.