I have spent the bulk of my free time the past week or so on crowning and cresting arrows. I have tried about every way i can think of too, with the exception of the fletch tape. My conclusion ?
Electrical tape can be used, its quick and easy and the glue bonds well to it. Doesn't look too professional though
Crowning with spray paint works, cresting with Testors - and it looks darn good too. Dip in Minwax Polyacrylic. Thing is, even after 4 coats its not the toughest stuff in the world.
Which leads me to my conclusion. Gasket Laquer. It works, its quick, its easy, and although its expensive, its worth it. I started out with it and I think I've come full circle. In the future, I'll use Gasket Laquer for my final couple of dips, over the Polyacrylic, to really get that tough, high gloss sheen that GL gives. I even GL dipped on of the electrical taped shafts, and it don't look bad - I just don't know how tough it'll be.
Oh, and I might try the fletch tape still as well.
Special thanks to Di for all the emails and help. Was sure fun experimenting