Waterproofing fletchings?

[zeph]

Having shot in the rain this weekend, I was completely unprepared for what happened to my arrows i.e. the fletchings (which aren't large anyway) completely disappeared and my arrows dropped like a stone! Are there ways that they can be waterproofed? I don't suppose it will completely alleviate the problem but anything might help.

[Murray]

I know nothing about trad archery, but a quick google search found:

http://www.trueflightfeathers.com/guide.htm

" Excellent dry powder waterproofing for feathers are now available. Bob Rightnour's "Fletch Dry" adds virtually no weight to an arrow, does not stiffen the feather web and does an amazing job of waterproofing. If you are caught in the rain without any waterproofing, a small "baggy" can be slipped over the feathers until the arrow is ready to be shot."

And

http://www.gatewayfeathers.com/accessories.htm - waterproofing powder

Someone with a lot more knowledge than I will no doubt point you at a UK-available product

[dino1300]

I think you can spray them with nikwax somthing or other waterproof spray for fabric.

[steve58]

I was in KG Archery and this problem came up in discussion... one of the guys there suggested a silicone spray (apparently the compounders use it on cables and things to keep them running smoothly), gave it a try ,worked pretty well for me (although they still look pretty shabby after getting buried in the grass!). KG actually sell the stuff and it was available through Quicks last time I looked. I was told that years ago they used to give them a spray with furniture polish with silicone in!

[robtattoo]

Personally, I just make sure that my arrows are spined & bareshafted correctly. That way, if the fletchings get saturated, it really doesn't matter until you get out past 40yds.

A really light spray wit Back to Black or similar silicone polish works well, though.

[Kae]

The only stuff I've used is the white powder feather waterproofer, and it seemed to do the trick.

All you do is put a small amount into a plastic bag, hold the bag around the fletching's and shake to apply. It doesn't last for long, and after a particularly wet session it will need to be reapplied next time it rains.

The longbower next to me borrowed some, and applied it a little too liberally and he, and the archer behind him ended the afternoon covered in white powder, hehe.

Kae.

[zeph]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I haven't made up my mind which to try though!

[Macbow]

Originally Posted by zeph

Thanks for all the suggestions. I haven't made up my mind which to try though!

Try Rob's.

[ignoramus]

I've tried the white powder stuff and it didn't work at all.

[zeph]

Originally Posted by Macbow

Try Rob's.

My arrows were made by an excellent bowyer who also made my bow, so I don't think that there would be anything I could do to improve the way they were fletched. My bow is also pretty light (30lbs) and short for a longbow (rather like myself!) so even at short distances the arrrows go to the clouds and back. (My recurve too!)

Would the spray used for waterproofing seams on clothes work?

OR.... sorry I've just read his post properly, were you referring to the spray part?