Cresting aluminum

[Susquehannariverarcher]

Im new to cresting. I typically like to shoot aluminum and wood. For aluminum I have been dipping one coat of polycrylic and then spray painting crown, cresting and few more dips of poly. I wasn't super happy with how the paint bonded. Any suggestions? I have considered the bohning primer but that is pretty spendy.

Here's my first set I ever crested and spliced.

[Wudstix]

Pretty arrows.  I have only been fiddling with basic stuff on my woodies.  Dipping or splatter staining.

[M60gunner]

Sounds like a capability issue. Are all the finishes acrylic? What spray paint are you using? Mixing water based with oil base ?

[Susquehannariverarcher]

Sounds like a capability issue. Are all the finishes acrylic? What spray paint are you using? Mixing water based with oil base ?

I use rustoleum paint. I clean the shaft with steel wool and acetone before dipping polycrylic then paint on top the polycrylic. And use testors for crest. For woods I had no issue spraying rustoleom over polycrylic. But with the aluminims it doesnt seem to bind to the shaft as well.

[black velvet]

You can try dipping the shafts in clear polyurethane first. That should give you a bonding agent.

[Susquehannariverarcher]

You can try dipping the shafts in clear polyurethane first. That should give you a bonding agent.

Ill give that a try on my next set. Thank you!

[Sawpilot 75]

They look good to me!

[M60gunner]

I use the Rustoleum 2X for outdoor use to spray paint the cap on wood and carbon. Can't say I have tried it on aluminum shafts? I see Rustoleum has a spray primer for using the paint on aluminum. That might be an option as well? Personally when I use up what I have left I am going to wraps for everything. I cut my own and crest them. Easier to remove when it's refletch time.

[Susquehannariverarcher]

They look good to me!

Thank you!