ProFin vs. Helmsman Spar Urethane

[Brian P.]

I have been using ProFin as my clear coat on wood arrows for several years. It is a very good finish and I can use it over top of the Bohning paints I dip and crest with.
I need to get more clear finish, but the shipping costs on ProFin are a killer. I wondered if Helmsman Spar Urethane might not be a better solution (cheaper) since I can buy it locally.
How is it for target burn in 3-D targets, and is it compatible with Bohning paints? I will fletch with Duco.
Any help would be appreciated.

[shortynes]

I use the spar urethane with duco and have not had any issues other than one time, after a couple weeks feathers just started falling off. This was several years and many dozen arrows ago and I have had no other issues since. It seems like a durable finish, don't shoot a lot of 3-d's.

[magnus]

You need to post this in the bowers bench. You get more responses. That being said I used spar and it works but will target burn! For convenience of purchase go with min wax quick dry oil based poly. Don't know about using Bohning under it. Not a fan of bohning. Duco will work on the poly. The tip on the poly came from an arrow making pro. Hope this helps.

Keeping the Faith!
Magnus

[Fletcher]

The spar urethane will work, but spar finishes are made to be able to expand and contract as outdoor wood swells and shrinks and therefore are a softer finish, and will target burn pretty bad.  Most regular oil base polys will burn very little or not as all if put on in thin coats.  Helmsman will yellow more, too.  I've had good luck with the Minwax or Zar brands, same as Magnus above.  Get the gloss, it is harder than the satin.  Glue with Duco, or Saunders NPV.

Bohning is a pretty unique formula and doesn't generally play well with others.  It is a lacquer, so the poly shouldn't lift it, but I don't know that it will stick to it, either.

[magnus]

There you go. That's where my info came from and he knows what he's talking about.

Keeping the Faith!
Magnus

[wapiti]

Exterior poly does not cure to a hard finish. Interior cures a bit harder in my experience but can flake if it gets wet. Lacquer and in particular vinyl based lacquer works well. I'll stick with Bohning products.

I used a lot of different products when I sprayed finishes on custom cabinets and refinished old ones. Lacquer goes on clear and stays clear while others have a yellow or amber hue when applied.

 
 One hint is to let the finish cure and not just dry no matter what finish you use.

[JamesV]

Krylon Crystal gloss, for cheap at wally-world. Dries fast and hard and can recoat anytime.

James.................

[Dave Alaxanian]

Spar & Duco--never had a problem

[Rob DiStefano]

min wax gloss wipe-on polyu - bestest fastest arrow finish for me.