Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: markinengland on September 01, 2009, 05:47:24 pm

Title: Natural pigment egg paint on arrows?
Post by: markinengland on September 01, 2009, 05:47:24 pm
Has anyone tried using natural pigments and egg yolk as a paint on arrows?
Title: Re: Natural pigment egg paint on arrows?
Post by: ricktrojanowski on September 01, 2009, 08:56:54 pm
I've done some natural pigments with a hideglue base.  But I usually use the acrylic base from a bottle (Lazy method ;D)  I never tried egg.
Title: Re: Natural pigment egg paint on arrows?
Post by: Pat B on September 01, 2009, 11:44:26 pm
I've used natural pigments with pitch varnish but not eggs. Should work fine if you seal over it.
Title: Re: Natural pigment egg paint on arrows?
Post by: markinengland on September 02, 2009, 05:55:09 pm
From what I have read a really quite effective paint can be made from just egg yolk and pigment.
I'll try it,take some pics and post the results.
Title: Re: Natural pigment egg paint on arrows?
Post by: DanaM on September 02, 2009, 08:03:49 pm
Mark PM billy I believe he's used egg and natural pigment :)
Title: Re: Natural pigment egg paint on arrows?
Post by: Pat B on September 03, 2009, 12:38:34 am
If you have ever tried to get dried egg off of anything you can see why it would be used.  ;D
Title: Re: Natural pigment egg paint on arrows?
Post by: billy on September 03, 2009, 01:11:02 am
HEy Mark,

No, I've never used egg yolk as a binder, but I bet it would work.  I remember seeing friends' houses that got egged when I was in high school....and once that stuff dried, you may as well just give up trying to get it off. 

The only problem I see is the fact that  arrows are usually sanded very smooth, and that could cause the paint to peel or chip off after being shot.  Remember, paint doesn't like a smooth surface, so regardless of what you use for a binder, rough up the surface where the paint will be with 150 grit sandpaper....this will give the paint something to grab onto and will make a much more durable finish. 

Post some pics when you're done..I'd love to see how it turns out!

Title: Re: Natural pigment egg paint on arrows?
Post by: markinengland on September 03, 2009, 03:09:47 am
Thanks for the responses.
It seems too simple, but I like simple!
Will take pics of making the paint, applying, finished arrows but only time will tell how well it lasts.
Title: Re: Natural pigment egg paint on arrows?
Post by: uwe on September 03, 2009, 12:04:07 pm
I have tried the eggs yolk with pigments, it works well. I even used it to pait on deerhides.
This painting seems to have a long history. I medieval wallpaintings in churches etc. this method was used.
Title: Re: Natural pigment egg paint on arrows?
Post by: markinengland on September 07, 2009, 03:33:58 pm
Well, I've got the pigment now so may experiment tomorrow after work if I have time.
Thanks for the advice.

Mark in England
Title: Re: Natural pigment egg paint on arrows?
Post by: Hillbilly on September 07, 2009, 04:28:05 pm
Let us know how it turns out. I've made some natural pigment paint with a hide glue base over the years, and it worked well. Never tried egg yolks, though.
Title: Re: Natural pigment egg paint on arrows?
Post by: uwe on September 09, 2009, 11:26:04 am
I promise: it works!