Guide

How to apply arrow wraps

Quick answer: clean the shaft with isopropyl alcohol, align the wrap at the nock end, then roll it on slowly with even pressure and fletch straight onto it. The whole job takes about ten minutes for a dozen arrows, and a well-fitted wrap lasts the life of the arrow.

Last updated 23 October 2026

What do I need before I start?

Your wraps, isopropyl alcohol, a clean cloth and a flat surface. If you are re-wrapping old arrows, a blunt blade or fletching stripper helps lift the old vanes and wrap without marking the shaft. Work somewhere warm — vinyl is more pliable at room temperature and conforms to the shaft more willingly.

How do I fit the wrap, step by step?

1. 01 — Strip the old fletching. Remove the old vanes or feathers and any old wrap. A blunt blade or fletching stripper lifts them without scoring the shaft.
2. 02 — Clean the shaft. Wipe the wrap area with isopropyl alcohol on a clean cloth and let it dry fully. Any grease or residue weakens the bond.
3. 03 — Align the wrap. Stand the arrow on its nock and line the wrap up with the nock end of the shaft, so the design sits where you want it once fletched.
4. 04 — Roll the wrap on. Peel back a little of the liner, tack the edge of the wrap down, then roll the shaft slowly with even pressure, peeling the liner away as you go.
5. 05 — Smooth out any air. Run a finger firmly along the wrap from the centre to the edges to push out any trapped air.
6. 06 — Re-fletch onto the wrap. Let the adhesive settle for a few minutes, then fletch directly onto the wrap as you would onto a bare shaft.

What are the common mistakes?

Rushing the cleaning is the big one. Skipping the alcohol wipe leaves finger oils on the shaft, and the adhesive bonds to the oil instead of the arrow. The second is starting the wrap crooked: once the first edge is down, the wrap commits to that line, so take a moment to square it against the nock before you roll. If you trap an air bubble, lift the wrap back gently from the nearest edge and re-roll that section rather than pressing harder.

Can I fletch straight onto the wrap?

Yes — that is exactly what our wraps are made for. The gloss vinyl gives vanes and feathers a smooth, clean bonding surface, and most archers find adhesion is better on a wrap than on a bare carbon shaft. Use your usual fletching adhesive and jig, and give the wrap a few minutes to settle after fitting before you clamp the first vane.

How do I remove a wrap later?

Peel it away slowly from one edge and wipe any residue with isopropyl alcohol. The shaft underneath is left clean and ready for a fresh wrap.

Ready to wrap yours? Browse the collection — every pack contains 13 wraps in your choice of length, width and style.