I am brand spankin' new to this trad stuff. I have a question about the actual finish you put on arrows. I used polyurethane (just a couple coats lightly brushed on). I've since shot these arrows 3 or 4 hundred times. I'm shooting into a "blob" target. I'm noticing the tip ends of these arrows are becoming tapered! The part that goes in and out of the target is wearing. The finish is gone, so its bare wood. Is this normal wear with woodies or is it my sucky finish?

I used Helmans Spar Urathene because it will wear better and is made for extreme conditions. One dip in the Spar and you are good to go. I do a lot of target shooting and they hold up real well. I'm sorry I have never used polyurethane. I'm sure some one hear can advise on this. Good luck. It is additive once you get going and find what works for you!

ttt

hellooooooo?

I use at least 3 coats of Minwax wipe-on poly.  I found that if I use gloss for the last coat, it finish holds up longer and is a tad easier to pull from foam targets.  I like the semi-gloss appearance better though, and use that on my hunting arrows.

RonP

is wipe on poly an actual type of poly? or do you just happen to wipe it on.

It is a type of polyurethane made by Minwax.  It it made to go on with a lint free rag (I use some finish pads that I picked up at the woodworking store, and cut them in quarters to make them last longer).  I dries in 2-3 hours, so I don't have to wait a whole day between coats.  I've used the spray on poly, and like this better.  Never tried brush on.

RonP

I dip em in poly  ............ one coat !!!!

Watco Danish oil finish,wipe it on with a piece of lambs wool and your ready to go in a couple hours. And the stain is in the finish.