Ok, I have already got the shafts stained. I am planning to use paint pens for cresting, however what do I do? Do I put the paint on before, or after a coat of poly?

You put pens on first then poly

You rock----thanks friend. I knew I could find the answer here---TradGang is the ultimate.

If you haven't started cresting yet it would be a good idea to put on at least one coat of poly before cresting.  Raw wood will suck up the paint making the sharp lines fuzzy.  A coat of poly will seal the wood and you'll be able to get sharp crisp lines.

I agree with madness522.  The poly goes on first.
Goose

Ok, I already noticed that. So was experimenting along those lines anyway. Now I have three arrows with fuzzy lines.

Thanks guys.

Trial and error my friend.Ive found that some pens will bubble some finishes and some wont.Use a test shaft to see how your finishing products will work togeher.

Sorry for the bad info but i made the mistake of putting the pens over poly and 5 shots later lines where smeard i never thought about one coat first.  

Hey! no worries! We all have to learn somehow. I'm just building some kid stumin arras anyhoo.

Jeff