Paint your bow?

[bounds]

I've seen a lot of guys paint their own guns with diy kits or spray cans, and a lot of them do a hell of a good job. Has anyone painted their own bow? I know people do, just wondering if any of you have first hand experience. I shoot a Mathews Switchback that I bought new right when it came out. I love it and it shoots great, but I want to spice it up a bit. I've looked at getting it dipped, but I can't afford it so I might just do it myself.

If you've done it, do you have any pointers?

 

[Evan Williams]

Davis did his own ASAT it looks SWEET!! And ice got a TON of guys using krylon to cut shine. I won't be doing any until after turkey but I'm gonna krylon limb pockets and a few other BLK pieces I see glare on.

 

[AGPank]

I haven't found an over the counter paint that meets my durability requirements when tested on accessories like stabilizers. I'm not sure how Cerakote is available, aerosol or for paint gun, but it is a good product. KG coatings has some durable finishes too, but I think they all require a paint gun. I had one refinished a few years ago from a guy on archery talk that was pretty reasonable, I just asked for a quote last night.

 

[Lukem]

I did my Alphamax a few years back with a cheap rattle can. It turned out well, but the durability was not great. Temps got cold on me the first time I did it and the paint flaked some. Did it a second time because I wasn't happy with the first and it still flaked a little but not as bad. I'd recommend paying a little more for some good paint and doing it right. Cheap is cheap.

The whole process is pretty easy and largely satisfying. Like a new bow that shoots like the old one you love.

 

[amp713]

Ive been thinking about doing this.... Did any of you guys use self etching primer before trying to paint? Coming from an automotive back ground self etching primer will get paint to stick to chrome I could see it being very beneficial to painting your bow. I want to do just some flat grey color with maybe a hit of green here and there. I want to paint cams and everything though.....

 

[bounds]

You have any pics or links to his project thread Evan?

 

[kodiakfly]

I've seen DIY dip kits online, but the sheets are smaller, so you'd need to disassemble the bow down to component size.

I'm interested in this too, as I'm Frankenbowing an old Hoyt and the camo from riser to limbs don't match.

 

[Brandon Pattison]

I've painted many guns. A good cleaning and primer goes a long way. I've always used whatever camo paint I could find. Most guys that don't want it to rub off can spray clear when done. I like the 'worn look' to show use like a signature.

 

[Lukem]

Ive been thinking about doing this.... Did any of you guys use self etching primer before trying to paint? Coming from an automotive back ground self etching primer will get paint to stick to chrome I could see it being very beneficial to painting your bow. I want to do just some flat grey color with maybe a hit of green here and there. I want to paint cams and everything though.....

I used a self etching primer on mine on both attempts. I honestly don't know enough to know whether it made a difference, I assume it did. I'd just make sure you use a quality product. I think Justin used Duracoat.

It's also fairly difficult to make sure you have all the surfaces painted, I know that sounds simple enough, but with the milled risers there's lots of little sharp angled nooks and crannies to get covered with paint.

You have any pics or links to his project thread Evan?

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?12732-Customized-Hoyt-Matrix