I spray painted these Graphlex type shafts, then crested with Testors, dipped twice in Minwax Polyacrylic then dipped 3 or 4 times in clear Gasket Laquer. Because on these particular shafts, the inserts don't fit flush with the shaft diameter, I footed the shafts with a 3 inch piece of 2413 aluminum arrow and insert. I made a tough as nail arrow and the three I have been shooting have been seriously abused. Even my old Gold Tips wouldn't have held up. I finally broke one yesterday, dead centering a 4x4 cedar post in my back yard. The insert was driven back into the shaft maybe 1/2 inch, the aluminum 2413 split open but did not break away about 1 1/2 down from the tip. I took the rest of the 2413 off, cut the busted 1/2 inch of Graphlex shaft off, and added another 4 inch piece of 2413 and VOILA ! I have a usable shaft again. I like these, I like them a LOT !