Powder Paint?

[papajoe222]

I picked up some Pro-Tec powder paint and have a question.  How long to heat the jig head before using it?  I painted six heads and although I didn't overheat the lead to the point that the paint smoked, the color wasn't consistant. If I shortened the heating time, the powder didn't 'melt'.  Is it just an experience thing, or is there a trick to it?

[cadman]

Here is a quick way to get even consistant colored jigs. The bigger the jig the longer the heat count, the smaller the jig , the less the heat count. So let's say you have a 1/4 oz jig.  I use a heat gun, so heat time is trial and error. While rotating the jig over the heat gun, I count 1,2,3,4 until 20, I then swish the jig through the powder paint. If the jig is glossy and covered completely, I then do this to all the 1/4 oz jigs. If the jig still doesn't grab paint increase your count to 25 and so on until you get glossy evenly painted jigs. Once done, make sure you bake your jigs, to harden the paint and keep it from chipping.

 

PS: I see you are around Chi-Town, if you need more help or have any questions, feel free to give me a call, and I will help you out.

[aavery2]

I'm curious, what color were you using?

[F14A-B]

I used a standard bic lighter to pre- heat some tungsten slip's, smaller = less pre- heat , larger tungsten = more pre- heat... Having my oven preheated at around 250 I believe, I put my weights on a baking sheet and allow the oven to do the work... Turns out very good, I've done 1/16 to 1 1/2 in Chartruse, same brand as you have..

[Blues19]

I started with a cheap lighter but quickly gave that up.  If you use the lighter or a candle, if the flame touches and scorches the lead it will not turn out right.

 

If you are doing quite a few I would suggest to invest in a heat gun.  It makes it SOOOOO much easier. Its really trial and error with time. I would start with 12-15 seconds and if you need to add time go for it.  If it gets too hot, the lead will take up too much paint and when curing it, the paint will start to drip.  Also, if you put a layer of paint on the jighead and it doesnt turn out shiny you can just hold it over the heat source again and it should melt a bit more.  Curing will also help some of this. 

 

Hope that made since and helps.

[Rivers Edge]

Toaster oven.

[MidwestFishing]

As stated above heat gun and count method is great. Make sure paint is stirred and fluffy.

Oven cure but clear hook eyes prior to oven curing.

Regardless of oven type used, if you hang them upside down (hanging by hook) you run risk of drip occurring on top of head. To avoid this take two pieces of small aluminum angle, place flat sides together and clam making a "T " and drill holes through both parts. Place small screw and wing nut in each hole. Place hooks in between flats and tighten nuts so jig heads stand up. Any drip will go towards hook shank.

A bead of silicone on each flat will help hold the hook in place.

[MidwestFishing]

Hope this helps

[smalljaw67]

I use a propane torch and for me it is easier and faster but you need to be careful of melting the lead off the hook. For a 1/8oz jig I hold it 1/2" above the flame and count 1-2-3-4 and turn the jig over and count the same 1-2-3-4 and it is down, for 1/4oz jigs I add  a few more seconds. The important thing to do is count and remember the number and you'll be good to go.

[papajoe222]

Thanks for the input guys.  It only took a half dozen jigs to get some consistancy to the color. The wife freaked out when I told her I was going to bake two dozen jigs in the oven!

[Blues19]

Thanks for the input guys.  It only took a half dozen jigs to get some consistancy to the color. The wife freaked out when I told her I was going to bake two dozen jigs in the oven!

I would personally get a small cheap toaster oven from Walmart or somewhere. You dont wanna mix lead with food.

[Catch 22]

Some colors react differently to heat. Its trial error.

I purchased a $35 propane  plumbers torch from Lowes and love it. It self ignites  and has  a hold button.I place it in a workbench vise for work. It mounts on a 2 pound bottle that should last well over a year doing jigs. Very handy for other projects too.

 Buy a cheap toaster oven to cure heads. Many times I can heat the head, dip it  and blow the paint from the eye before it sets up. I use so many heads that I seldom cure them.

 

C22

[arknsawchuck]

I've been making jigs for over 8 years now and I agree with the toaster oven.  You get a more consistant heating and it's much easier to bake them after the paint is on.  Another good thing to get (or make) is a fluid bowl so your paint goes on more evenly.  This will stop the clumping you can get from sticking the hot jig head in the paint jar, and you can get more jigs painted per jar of paint.