The beauty of cresting actually does boil down to two main factors: getting your unique aesthetic into your arrows and marking certain shafts to quickly sort them out during target shooting. Regardless of which factor, the options featured below allows one to properly crest their arrows.
Also, and regardless of your arrow’s construction, choosing the right kind of paint will also help make the entire cresting process an easy breezy affair. The last thing anyone wants to deal with is spending too much time figuring out how to crest their arrows (and making a mess out of it!).
Aside from the recommendations below, we’d also want to quickly shed some light on some practical information on cresting arrow paints.
- Needs multiple coatings
- Uneven paint distribution
- Cap and nozzle problem
- Need to experiment for good results
- Small botlle
- Small bottles
- Learning curve
- Durable and compact bottle
- Fast drying
- Lots of colors
- Low odor
- Easy and convenient
- Tough
- Pigment brilliance
- 6 pens in a pack
- Easy to use
- Many colors
- Good for a variety of surfaces
- Quick application
- Versatile colors
- Trusted manufacturer
- Great for outdoor elements
- Simple application
- Many colors
- Easy application
- Flip top bottle design
- Smooth texture
- Stable hold on arrows
- Variable speed
- Comes with brushes
- Good motor
- Needs multiple coatings
- Durable and compact bottle
- Fast drying
- Lots of colors
- Low odor
- Uneven paint distribution
- Easy and convenient
- Tough
- Pigment brilliance
- 6 pens in a pack
- Cap and nozzle problem
- Easy to use
- Many colors
- Good for a variety of surfaces
- Quick application
- Need to experiment for good results
- Versatile colors
- Trusted manufacturer
- Great for outdoor elements
- Simple application
- Small botlle
- Many colors
- Easy application
- Flip top bottle design
- Smooth texture
- Small bottles
- Learning curve
- Stable hold on arrows
- Variable speed
- Comes with brushes
- Good motor
What You Need to Know About Cresting Arrow Paints
Here are some common information that can help you learn why taking the time to choose and learn about cresting paints matters:
Common Types of Paint
We've actually noted down two types of paint above when cresting your arrows:
Acrylic
Considered as the most common type, the main advantage this paint has when marking arrows is its quick drying capability. Additionally, this type can be easily applied through all sorts of painting methods.
Oil Based
With a slower drying time, oil based paint tends to lose out from the first option. However, this choice does offer a better sheen than acrylic. Additionally, application is typically only done with a brush - this option is for experts or artists who want to spend more time enjoying the cresting process.
Paint Application Types
Cresting arrows is usually done in these application methods:
Markers
The pen paint option above is a great example on why markers can be a hit among craftsmen. Quick and easy, all you need to do is to draw your rings, bands, or shades onto your shafts. However, it may not be as versatile or accurate than other methods, this option does allow a nice way to quickly crest your arrows.
Liquid Paint
This method allows you to either use a brush to mark your arrows, or to simply dip a shaft into a can of paint for quick jobs. The brush application, of course, offers accuracy and intricate designs.
Spray Paint
Another convenient way to crest arrows is to use spray paint. Able to cover large areas, it is possible to quickly a whole batch of arrows with a can. Of course, this method doesn't offer the fine and intricate details that other options have.
Best Acrylic Paint for Arrow Cresting - Testors Acrylic Value Finishing Paint Set General Specifications and Features
This set will help you crest your arrows in a quick and efficient manner. The many colors to choose from will also give you more chances to display your creative flair. Also, the compact bottles make transporting, storing, and even accessing the paint all an easy process. The really minor issue of the need of multiple coating for the lighter colors isn't really much of a big deal - the fast drying quality will keep you coating arrows in no time at all!
- Finish: metallic hue
- Color: multicolor
- Packaging: nine 1/4 fl oz bottles
- Miscellaneous Info: comes with a paint brush, non-toxic, can be used for airbrush or conventional brushing methods
Reviewing the Testors Acrylic Value Finishing Paint Set
Acrylic paint arrow cresting, considered to be the most common way to mark arrows, has one amazing benefit that makes it stand out from other types. It's fast-drying effect makes it a good choice among hunters who do not want to spend too much time finishing the cresting process. With that said, let us see what else makes the Testors Acrylic Value Finishing Paint Set a recommended choice as a best arrow cresting paint option.
Why the Testors Acrylic Value Finishing Paint Set is Recommended
Here are the main reasons this arrow cresting paint kit is a really good option for your gear:
Compact Bottle Design
Hunters and craftsmen gain a lot with this simple yet efficient design. The opportunity to store and transport these acrylic paint bottles almost anywhere is beneficial for individuals on the go. Additionally, the easy process of getting the paint out does simplify the entire arrow cresting process.
Good Choice of Fast Drying Colors
The entire set contains a wide variety of colors that will best suit any arrow cresting style. Also, the advantage of the quick drying property this set provides can let archers design and blend their desired hue for their arrows.
Low Odor
One of the subtle reasons why arrow cresting may not be an enjoyable process is because of a paint's odor. Whiff some of the pesky stuff and you're bound to consider painting a chore! This set is formulated in such a way to lower a paint's odor, giving you a better and more enjoyable time to crest your arrows.
An Issue that May Need to be Addressed in the Testors Acrylic Value Finishing Paint Set
On the other end of the spectrum, here is a problem area that you may encounter when choosing this set:
Coating Issue
Depending on the color, some cover better and quicker than the others. Darker colors in this set (particularly red and black) tend to quickly cover an entire area. The others, however, may need several coatings to get an area properly covered up. It's a really minimal issue, but can be a hassle for craftsmen who need to spend extra time when cresting arrows.
Best Paint Pens for Arrow Cresting - Uchida 200-6A 6-Piece Decocolor Fine Point Paint Marker Set General Specifications and Features
This marker set offers some much-needed convenience among hunters who consider arrow cresting a chore! Alternatively, a paint pen can also be used in conjunction with other paints, as a finishing touch or in creating some intricate markings. The nice blend of colors that this marker set has is also a welcome surprise even among amateur craftsmen. Just do take extra care when using a paint pen - you do not want to use a bleeding pen to mess up your arrows!
- Finish: opaque; gloss
- Color: multicolor
- Packaging: 6 colored pens in a pack
- Miscellaneous Info: oil based, weatherproof, and acid free
Reviewing the Uchida 200-6A 6-Piece Decocolor Fine Point Paint Marker Set
Using paint pens for arrow cresting is a simple and easy way to mark your arrows. Is going for this option inferior to using arrow cresting paint though? Let us see what the Uchida 200-6A 6-Piece Decocolor Fine Point Paint Marker Set brings to the plate:
Why the Uchida 200-6A 6-Piece Decocolor Fine Point Paint Marker Set is Recommended
Find out why using these pens to crest your arrows is an awesome idea:
Attractive Color Hues
These paint pens are formulated with an exclusive pigment brilliance to bring out the color in your arrows.
Excellent Durability
This marker set has an outstanding shelf life. Coupled with these pens in being weatherproof, you've got yourself a set that you can rely on whenever you need to crest your arrows.
Issues that May Need to be Addressed in the Uchida 200-6A 6-Piece Decocolor Fine Point Paint Marker Set
Please consider this potential problem when deciding to go for this marker set:
Uneven Paint Distribution
Working with markers is relatively easy. However, as seen with this particular set, paint from the pen may not be as even as you'd want it to be. It's either the tip dries quickly, the tip isn't as fine as it's supposed to be, or that excess paint spills out resulting in a glob of color on your color. Although it does depend on how someone uses it, it would be best to consider your expectations and plan ahead properly when deciding to use this set.
Best Spray Paint for Arrow Cresting - Krylon K05356407 ColorMaster Paint + Primer General Specifications and Features
Spray points offer not only convenience - for most hunters, it’s the way to go if cresting arrows need to be done in a safe, fast, and efficient manner. This spray paint option makes the entire process even more easier, with the paint and primer combination saving one time from multiple applications. Additionally, the nice choices of colors this can is available in helps shooters choose a nice hue to go with their arrows. The cap issue does depend on the actual product received, but it wouldn’t hurt to be extra careful when handling these spray paint cans!
- Finish: satin
- Color: multiple
- Packaging: 12 oz spray can
- Miscellaneous Info: fast drying and wide coverage area
Reviewing the Krylon K05356407 ColorMaster Paint + Primer
The best way to spray paint cresting arrows, unsurprisingly, doesn't deal with a single color. The chance to apply a coat of white paint on arrows does offer a nice chance to bring out additional colors' vibrance on your gear. Of course, using a nice palette of spray paint colors offers some quick and attractive colors to work on when cresting your arrows. Let us get to know why this option is a good choice:
Why the Krylon K05356407 ColorMaster Paint + Primer is Recommended
Cresting arrows with spray paint? Find out why that's an amazing decision with this option below:
Easy Base Color Application
Spray paints are excellent when setting an arrow's base color. Not only can you cover a bigger area with this choice - you can efficiently get this important cresting arrow step done in a quick manner.
Good Choice of Colors
This spray point option offers some nice hues to choose from - get a base color of your preference with this spray paint can!
Works Well on Different Surfaces
The Krylon K05356407 ColorMaster Paint + Primer comes in different variants to be used on different surface areas. Get the type that will best suit your arrows.
An Issue that May Need to be Addressed in the Krylon K05356407 ColorMaster Paint + Primer
Here is a potential problem that you may face when choosing to use this spray paint:
Spray Tip Problem
Even though using spray paints will help you cover an arrow's shaft in a quick manner, you'd of course still want to do this in a clean and controlled manner. This spray can's nozzle does seem to be problematic - there are some instances that the tip doesn't properly distribute paint evenly. Worse, the actual cap needs to be constantly adjusted to let paint out.
Best Cresting Paint for Carbon Arrows - Krylon K02753007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint for Indoor/Outdoor Use General Specifications and Features
Choosing the right paint for cresting arrows, particularly for carbon shafts, means you need to be aware of your gear's actual construction. You want to make sure that your arrows do not only get marked properly, but the color needs to be of the right hue and is able to stick no matter the weather condition. This spray paint does provide this effect, with the additional benefit of being a convenient and easy application even among amateur craftsmen. Just please make sure that you know of the color you're actually getting when it is being applied on your arrows - you do not want something that's way far from your expectations!
- Finish: satin
- Color: multiple
- Packaging: 12 oz spray can
- Miscellaneous Info: quick dry (with a full cure time of 48 hours)
Reviewing the Krylon K02753007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint for Indoor/Outdoor Use
Choosing the right cresting paint for carbon arrows means considering the arrow's actual construction. You need to be sure that the paint you're applying will not only look good - it needs to stick as well! With that said, let us see why the Krylon K02753007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint for Indoor/Outdoor Use is a spray paint arrow cresting recommendation.
Why the Krylon K02753007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint for Indoor/Outdoor Use is Recommended
Here are some reasons why you should go for this carbon arrow cresting paint choice:
Legacy Choice
Trusted by hunters, and with a reliable history to boot (this company has been around since the 1950s!), you sure won't go wrong using this spray point for your arrows.
Great Outdoor Use
The paint stays on your carbon arrow, even when faced with the different elements in the wild. This is especially nice for hunters, who need to face all sorts of weather conditions.
Keeping it Simple
No need to bother with several coatings - with a primer formulated into the paint, you simply need to spray this on your arrows to get your desired look.
An Issue that May Need to be Addressed in the Krylon K02753007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint for Indoor/Outdoor Use
This paint cresting arrow choice may have a minor problem you may need to have in mind:
Know Your Color
Seeing that carbon may have a different effect when it comes to paint coating, always make sure to do a test first before applying. If possible, ask for help to find out how the actual paint will look like upon application on carbon. You'd want to avoid getting ahead with expectations - gold may end up as brown, so it'll always be best to know how the hue will end up before actually spraying it on an arrow.
Best Cresting Paint for Wood Arrows - Apple Barrel 18pc Matte Finish Acrylic Craft Paint Set General Specifications and Features
Cresting wooden arrows with acrylic paint may be time-consuming for some. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get something wonderful out of this process. Using this set allows craftsmen not only to get the desired hue they want for their arrows. This Apple Barrel set also assures hunters of quality hues that can withstand all sorts of elements one can face outdoors. Additionally, with the smooth quality and easy application, cresting wooden shafts can actually be a simple and enjoyable process. If only this set offers bigger bottles to use!
- Finish: matte; pewter (exterior finish)
- Color: multiple
- Packaging: 2 oz spray can (18 in a set)
- Miscellaneous Info: non toxic and quick dry formulation
Reviewing the Apple Barrel 18pc Matte Finish Acrylic Craft Paint Set
Choosing the perfect cresting paint for wood arrows means also knowing how intricate wooden shafts can be. Consider this process as an actual work of art - you need to put in the work to get the right kind of finish you desire for your arrows. Aside from getting the right base color (essentially, an enamel coat will do), the additional coating of an acrylic finish should give your arrows that nice and wonderful look. Let us see if the Apple Barrel 18pc Matte Finish Acrylic Craft Paint Set is a great choice for your wooden shafts.
Why the Apple Barrel 18pc Matte Finish Acrylic Craft Paint Set is Recommended
Known why this set may just be the best paint for arrow cresting:
Quality Pigments
Aside from having a wide variety of colors to choose from, the paint quality found in this set is excellent. Attractive and able to set in almost all sorts of surfaces, you are assured to get the look you'd want for your wooden shafts.
Easy Application and Storage
The flip top bottles allow you to easily squeeze out the right amount of paint needed when cresting arrows. Also, the entire set of bottles can be easily stored in the cardboard box it comes packed in, allowing you to safely keep this set from harm's way when not in use.
Smooth Texture
Brushing with this set's colors is as easy as it gets. Beginners won't have a hard time mixing and applying the colors on their wooden arrows with this paint's smooth and quick drying formulation.
An Issue that May Need to be Addressed in the Apple Barrel PROMOABI 18pc Matte Finish Acrylic Craft Paint Set
This is a great cresting arrow paint choice - except for one minor problem.
Small Bottles
Sure, it comes in a set of 18 colors to choose from, but the individual bottles found in this set are pretty small. At just 2 oz each, you may end up needing more than one set if you run out of your preferred hue.
Best Arrow Cresting Paint Kit - Bohning ORMD Professional Cresting Kit General Specifications and Features
Cresting arrows is a different kind of experience in itself - and using this kit does bring something really unique to the plate! The chance to quickly crest bulks of arrows in a fast and accurate manner can assure hunters that they can get their entire stock looking how they want it to be. Additionally, the variable options offered by this crester can conform to a craftsman preferred way to crest. It’s just that it may take some time (and mistakes) to properly get the hang of using this machine. And it sure doesn’t help that you’ll be working with a limited amount of paint with this kit!
- Color: comes with 6 1 oz jars of various colors
- Packaging: crester comes with solid foundation and various cresting tools
- Miscellaneous Info: adjustable motor and holders to stabilize shafts while cresting
Reviewing the Bohning ORMD Professional Cresting Kit
Instead of cresting your arrows the conventional way, why not use a crester instead? Selecting the best way to paint for arrow cresting may also mean choosing a method that can make marking arrows in a more streamlined manner. Let us see if the Bohning ORMD Professional Cresting Kit does make the entire cresting process easier.
Why the Bohning ORMD Professional Cresting Kit is Recommended
Get the best paint for cresting arrows and this cresting kit. Sounds like a good idea? Let us see why with these factors below:
Getting the Details Right
Conventionally, cresting doesn't simply mean dipping or marking your arrows with a single color. Some of the best arrows have cresting that feature intricate or minimalist details. It may be a single band or a ring to mark certain arrows from the rest, but getting these details right will help you differentiate an arrow from the rest. Normally, you need to apply several layers or coating before making design enhancements. The conventional way is fine on its own - except, for beginners particularly, this can be time-consuming and prone to design errors. A cresting machine allows you to set the colors in, with a quick and streamlined manner in place.
Stability is Assured
Of course, getting the colors right when cresting means securing an arrow. It's that precise notion that's needed to set those colors onto your shaft. This kit allows you to get those design elements right, with its firm arrow holders. Additionally, the solid base of this crester means you get to crest arrows without the hassle of having the entire machine from moving. Lastly, it also comes with a variable speed setting for you to efficiently make those arrow marks.
Designed to Work
This crester also offers an additional benefit that both pro or novice craftsmen will enjoy. Almost every part of this machine can be adjusted to fit a certain cresting style. From the shaft holders to the motor itself, everything can be adjusted to make the entire cresting process convenient and comfortable as possible. In effect, this cresting kit’s design and construction does make it handy when dealing with multiple sets of arrows to be crested.
Issues that May Need to be Addressed in the Bohning ORMD Professional Cresting Kit
Here are some problems that you may need to fix when using this cresting kit:
Limited Amount of Paint
Of course, the main product of this kit is the crester itself. It does come with nice tools (such as the brushes and the paint). But at just 1 oz each per bottle, you'll more than likely be needing more paint to get your arrows crested!
Learning Curve
Depending on just how experienced once is in cresting, this kit may either be a blessing or a curse. Sure enough, this crester offers nice enhancements and a speedy process to get things done. But do expect some mistakes or adjustments when trying this option out.
Read More
Here are some interesting links on cresting arrows:
- This Bohning ORMD Professional Cresing Kit video from Richard Head Longbows is informative and cute!
- Stickbow has a good section on how to crest arrows.
- This Archery Talk forum thread discusses tips on how to crest carbon arrows.