cap dip aluminum arrows

[Jon Stewart]

I did a search and couldn't find anything posted on this that targeted aluminum shafts.

What paints have you used to dip (not spray) aluminum arrows and what glues have you used for feather work on the dipped arrow.

I tried  Krylon spray on metal using Fletchtite Platinum and the feathers pulled right off.

[black velvet]

Water base poly and duco.

[Bud B.]

Thanks for posting Jon. I have some 1916s I want to cap dip and would like to know as well. I have used Rustoleum successfully as a spray-on but with Bohning Fletch Tape for the fletching. Rustoleum has a longer dry/cure time and to me works better than Krylon.

I have tried Rustoleum from a pint can to try on carbons without success. It seemed the paint wanted to crawl and was uneven, even with lightly sanding the carbon finish.

here are 6 1916s with spray Rustoleum and fletch tape adhesion. Duco on the fletch tips.



I have had the most success with Rustoleum sprays.

[rustyspike]

Have not dipped Aluminms. But I use Krylon with very nice results. Make sure you use fine steel wool and then clean well with alcohol or acetone.
Also spray 3 to 4 light coats. When done let them cure for a couple of days before you fletch them. The longer you let them dry the better.
If for some reason the finish is looking not as good as you would like. Sand again and add another coat.

I use Bohning fletching tape and either super glue or Duco on the tips of the fletching.

What I really like about the Al. shafts is you can remove the feathers and paint and redo them when they start getting beat up real bad. They will look brand new.

BTW - I used to dip my shafts but I lost my dipper in a move. Spray paint is cheaper if you like to change colors and just as nice. You can still dip them in a clear coat for a nicer look.

Rich K.

[joe skipp]

Bohning paints and products. Used them on Aluminum for many years.

[Swamp Yankee]

Bohnning lacquers have been the standard for a long time.  Check out 3Rivers' website.  The key to painting anything aluminum is the prep; it has to be squeaky clean and etched for the paint to bond.  Then it's just a matter of using a glue that is compatible with the paint used.

[joe skipp]

Swamp Yankee is correct. I prep the dipping area by cleaning it with 91% Isopropyl to remove any film. After letting it dry thoroughly, I apply a thin base coat of white. You need a white base coat for all colors, especially florescents.

If I want a white crown dip, I leave the paint a tad thicker or just use 2 thin coats. Then use Bohning glue to adhere the feathers and nock. Never had a problem with feathers coming off. Also, the vinyl paint can be removed pretty easily for arrow repair or re-dipping.

[Jon Stewart]

I guess I should has said in my original post, excluding Bohning.  I have used it and it works great.  Trouble is, the fumes from the basement in the winter time so I thought I would try something else.

My process includes criss/cross sanding the cap, clean with rubbing alchohol, sprayed with Krylon and glued with Platinum.  I waited a day before I glued the feathers on.  A week later every feather pulled right off removing the paint from the shaft.

That is why I was wondering what others did.

[Bud B.]

I primed mine with gray Rustoleum primer then one coat of orange. No feather releases yet. I have shot them alot since that pic was taken. So far I'm pleased with how the Rustoleum has held up.

Isopropyl 91% wipe first. I did not rough up the shaft prior to painting, but may do that for the other 6 I have yet to turn into arrows.

[David Mitchell]

Joe nailed it!

[Steve Clandinin]

Maybe I'm just differant,after years and years of dipping aluminums in bohnings laquer,all the prep work and all the tools and supplys needed now I order wraps from Onestringer in a Cuzillion differant patterns and colours.Yes wraps are far nicer,stronger and alot more professional looking than I could ever do.

[M60gunner]

Steve X2 if fumes are a concern. Basements and attached garages like I have are not good places to do any finishing this time of the year. Wraps are not cheap but there are plain ones that are less money. I use these and crest on them.

[Bill Sant]

Wraps are spendy, probably at least a buck apiece.  12 to 15 bucks a dozen.  For a 6 dollar can of rustoleum spray I get 4 to 5 dozen arrows sprayed, about 10 cents apiece.

[longbowray]

I use wraps now , also the soild ones Works great and 8 dz for 20 bucks .