Sealing shafts

[GaryR]

I've heard PatB say he's used pine varnish, can someone explain this to me please?
Gary

[Pat B]

Gary, I dissolve hard, brittle pine pitch in denatured alcohol to make the varnish. Then just brush it on. When the alcohol flashes off(evaporates) the shaft is coated with a thin layer of pitch. I also use this to seal sinew wraps on arrows.
 If your pitch is not hard and brittle the varnish will be sticky when applied.

[GaryR]

I have a little hard pitch but to make sure before I make a batch is there a recommended way to speed up the drying of some softer pitch?
Thanx PatB,
Gary

[Pat B]

Softer pitch has to be cooked to burn off the turps. If not, they will naturally dissipate but it takes a long time.

[GaryR]

PatB you say dissolve it in denatured alcohol, why not isopropyl, its just to melt it down and then evaporate anyway right?

[Pat B]

Denatured, Isopropyl, moonshine, your favorite liquor, probably acetone or any volatile solvent that is compatible with the pitch will work. I keep a can of denatured alcohol handy so that is what I used.

[GaryR]

your favorite liquor

Now that's just wasteful. I'll use isopropyl, it's horrible over ice anyway, and a little cheaper.

[JoJoDapyro]

I used Acetone, seemed to work ok.