Paint for cresting

[robtattoo]

Not sure if this is in the right place, but.....

What is the best paint for cresting POC arrows? I've been told that car touch-up paint will be fine, but I'm not too sure whether it'd be compatible to paint over Polyurethene varnish. Would household gloss paint be OK?

[Windknot]

Rob,

Try using Plasti-Kote Fast Dry Enamel- I got mine from Homebase, but most DIY emporia will carry it.

It dries reasonably quickly- the matt dries a bit quicker than the gloss- and doesn't cost a fortune. Sticks to PU just fine.

I must confess I don't crest arrows anymore, I just spray the tail white or yellow for visibility. Seems the trees like pretty arrows too.

You could also cheat by printing the cresting on waterslide paper and sticking that on your arrows- stick to bold primary colours and black for best results. The arrows in my avatar were done that way, although I used a picture of snakeskin instead of lines.

Hope this helps.

Jakes

Follow the link for a closeup pic of snakeskin cresting.

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/ourstaffo...birdriser2.jpg

[robtattoo]

Thanks for that Jakes, I'll pop over to Homebase this aft & give the Plasti-Kote a go!
The snakeskin finish on your arrows looks awesome (purdy looking bow too )

[Macbow]

Rob, I use Humbrol enamels - the little modelling tins. You need to get the paint thin enough to flow and be positive with the brush. Seal the shaft first or your cresting will bleed. Keep it simple to start - mark your design with a pencil then use a superthin brush to do the thin lines and the edges. When your edges are dry you can fil in the bigger areas with a bigger brush and the paint won't run past the edge. It is way easier with a cresting machine and the finished result looks totally professional - I use the Bohning Pro Crester (got in from the US from Tom Rhude and I use a step down power transformer that was £10 off eBay). You're on a slippery slope mate! Next thing you'll be splicing your feathers, tapering your shafts, weighing them, spine testing. It might not make much difference to your accuracy but shooting a nice pretty set of arrows just feels better. Having said that none of my comp arrows are crested - just danish oiled to keep them light.Check out the Whispering Wind or Arrow Art sites. Stunning workmanship! I have an ebook on arrow making which is pretty good - if you would like a copy send me your home email. Has your new bow arrived yet?

[Greenman]

Plasti-Kote is good,but you can also use silk thread,have a look on the "prize arrows" on this page and if you really want a challenge look at the footings and the nocks..... things don't get much better.http://anthromuseum.missouri.edu/gra...archery2.shtml. Rest of the site is worth a look!