Wood Arrow Finish for Alaska

Grey Taylor · February 07, 2011, 07:14:00 PM

So I'm looking at making some arrows for a fellow who's headed for Alaska.
I usually use gasket lacquer but I know that isn't known for very good results in wet climates.
What is the consensus for a good wood arrow finish for this situation (no Bohning products, please)?
ProFin?
Wipe-on Polyurethane?
Oil-based Polyurethane?
Massey Finish (epoxy and acetone)?
Combination of finishes?
Something else?

Thanks, Guy

Kevin L. · February 07, 2011, 07:25:00 PM

I stain mine then dip them in spar varnish 3 coats, steel wooling between coats after they're dry. It's made to seal moisture out of wood and remain flexible, a real plus in something that flexes every time you shoot it. Fletch with Duco cement, after you rough the surface a mite with fine steel wool.

Kevin

magnus · February 07, 2011, 07:31:00 PM

I like oil based poly. More durable than spar.

Whip · February 07, 2011, 07:32:00 PM

I wish I had more personal Alaska experiece, but I have built arrows with the ProFin with good results. Reports are that it is very durable in wet conditions, and if I am lucky enough to carry wood arrows in Alaska again that is what they will be sealed with.

DesertDude · February 07, 2011, 09:31:00 PM

A friend of mine (Jeff Cooper) lives in Alaska and uses Polycrilic Miniwax........drop him a PM

Joseph · February 07, 2011, 09:46:00 PM

I use Profin now but the absolute toughest most water proof finish I have ever used is Moisture Cure Polyurethane made by Columbia Paint and Stain. It was made to use as a Hardwood floor finish in humid climates. The higher the humidity the faster it cures. I cut it half and half with Xylene. I lost an arrow finished with this one summer. I found it the following spring and all I had to do is put a new nock, feathers, and point on the shaft and it was ready to go. The only down side is that it fuses into 3D targets to the point that it will take 2 people to pull the arrow out. That is why I changed to Profin but if you are just going to be hunting and not shooting 3D's it can't be beat!!!

Bjorn · February 07, 2011, 09:56:00 PM

Raptor dip is very w/proof I have left arrows laying in puddles for days with no ill effects.

pow-bow · February 07, 2011, 10:43:00 PM

I'm in SE Alaska, I've had good luck with spar urethane. Found lost arrows after months in the weather and just refletched and good to go.

Montanawidower · February 07, 2011, 10:55:00 PM

Another vote for spar urethane. Lost an arrow in a haybale some time back and found it later that year when breaking the bail. No effect after weeks in a damp bale.

Grey Taylor · February 07, 2011, 10:58:00 PM

Thanks, everyone!
You've given me great information and I really appreciate it.

Guy

LBR · February 07, 2011, 11:35:00 PM

Massey finish for me. Have lost an arrow and found it with the feathers rotted off and the point all but rusted off (several months to a year +). That's in MS heat and humidity, plus a winter with some snow on the ground. My buddy in TN did the same thing. Plus it's cheap and easy to apply.

Chad