I am getting ready for the Final Finish on some Arrows I just made. I usually Use "Minwax Polycrylic" in a Dip Tube, and havent had a bit of trouble with it.    
  Has anyone out there had any Experiences, Good, Bad, or Indifferent with "Varathane"?  Spar  tells Me "Hard Finish". I considered a small roller to apply it with but am afraid of Nasty Bubbles, but have heard on here about "Whipe On with a Clean Rag". Then sanding between coats.  :confused:  
        Any and All Info Will Be Greatly Appreciated!!      

In the past I have used "golf club tubes" for dip tubes.  There is no reservoir or gasket, but they are very cheap if one wanted to experiment with minimal investment.

Varathane makes a great product. Spar varnish will embue the wood with a yellower cast than Polycrylic, but that can be a good thing and your shafts will look "warmer".

Polycyrlic is a very "cold" looking finish and does not pop the woods natural grain or add warmth nearly as much as the spar varnish will.

Spar varnish is a formulation that remains more elastic (and so less brittle) than other varnishes over time. It was originally used on- you guessed it- masts and other brightwork on boats and ships.

A good choice for  an arrow shaft IMO.

Joshua, who grew up near a lot of boatyards...

Actually, shakes, Spar means soft.  Spar finishes are designed for outdoor/marine use and made so they can move as the wood expands and contracts.  They seal against moisture very well, but are susceptible to target burn.  Thin coats will help to minimize this.  Varathane is a good brand, altho I'm not sure how well it will bond with the polycrylic base coats.  If you wipe the spar on it should work well straight, but you will want to thin it if you dip.  Good luck and keep us posted on how it works.

Just finished our arrows Shakes and per snag's advice bought some Dalys Profin. Dipped 4 coats on them in a 1" pvc pipe with end cap and could not be more pleased. Awesome product ! Dries almost perfectly clear, even over a white cap dip, no target burn, no issues with my cap paint or testors cresting. Just tip up your dip tube when done and no major residue left, 99 % will run back in the quart Dalys can, runs like water. $32 a quart direct from Dalys including hazmat shipping which is $17 of that $32. Quart should last me 5-6 yrs. Use duco cement , $1 a tube at Family Dollar Store for feathers and nocks. The Duco is almost invisible when dried on the Dalys finish. It is like it melts right down into it, no glue globbed on top of your finish. Kudos to snag for helping us poor souls who needed it building our first woodies ! Dalys and you are done !!! JMHO

nocams


         

I have Always used Minwax Polyfinish, Dipped. Then Waxed after eveything is Cured  GOOD , to polish those Bad Boys until they are Just Slicker than Owl Snot on a Brass Doorknob!! Thats Pretty Slick.    I will give the Spar a Try on Some Arrows, not This Set, and Let y'all know what happens!!  

Sorry but  $32 a QUART  is a Bit Pricey dont you think??      

Shakes,
it is only $15 a quart, $17 of the $32 is for hazmat shipping. I had to have it shipped since I have no dalys dealer near me in TN. Still worth it to me even if I have to pay $32, it will last me years. If you can find a local dealer you could get it for $15.

How did the spar work for you ? I read that spar is not very heat resistant and guess what causes extreme heat on an arrow finish..... yep target friction which causes target burn.

nocams