Airbrushing Crankbaits

[jacobhookem]

I have bought a couple of airbrushes and was wondering if anyone had any good starting tips for me? like what paints to use and clear coats ext...Thanks really appreciate the responses.

[dead eye]

Visit Tackleunderground.com, a great resource for the do it yoursefer.

[Vodkaman]

Well there's another member lost!

True, TU is a good site, but what is this forum for, if not to answer questions like the above?

To start off the answers:

Createx is a good paint. It works for airbrushing and is water soluble for easy clean-up. Originally designed for Tee shirt painting, it has to be heat set, to 'fix' the paint, air drying is not enough. This is easily achieved by a good blast with a regular hair dryer.

Createx is classed as non-toxic, but still, if you are spraying indoors, a spray boothe with an extractor fan, pulling through a filter is reccommended. It won't poison you, but it will build up in your lungs.

Here is a link to the createx web site: ??? well I tried, but aparently I need to post ten times before I am allowed to do anything helpful, like post links. Try createxcolors.com for a more detailed read and to see the colors available.

Some prefer other types of paints, like lacquers. But these solvent based paints require some heavy duty precautions. You do not want to be breathing in solvents.

Epoxy is a good top coat, but not all epoxy's are equal. A lot of experienced builders use devcon 2 ton. This is a 30 minute epoxy (supposedly) and gives you more working time. The lure has to be turned regularly after application, to allow the epoxy to level evenly. Cures in 24 hours, but takes longer to fully harden.

Some prefer etex (envirotex), this too is an epoxy, with a thinner consistency.

Dick nites lure coat is a moisture cure polurethane. Designed for dipping lures. It has to be stored correctly to prevent curing in the can. Any moisture and the stuff goes off. Some use bloxygen, a heavy argon gas spray, a quick spurt before closing the lid. A lot of experienced builders love this stuff.

The auto industry has some favoured top coats too.

I use propionate dip. It, like all the other top coats, has problems. The perfect top coat does not exist.

I have only scratched the surface here. It is upto members to comment in more detail on what they use, pending more questions from Jacob of course.

Dave

[tholmes]

Here's the Createx link:

http://www.createxcolors.com/

Tom

[dead eye]

Sorry Vodkaman, I'll not make that mistake again.  :-/ Are you not one of the maine members of TU?

[BIG M]

Vman has a post or two over at TU but everybody that builds baits is a member at TU.   

This forum also has some very good info and the search funtion works very well.

I like taxidermy paints (waterbased) but still use some colors from c-tex.   The best thing you can do is buy some paint, get a cardboard box and start shooting.   No matter how many tips you read, hands on practice makes perfect.   I also use flex coat ultra v for my final clear coat.

Get a piece of 1/2 water pipe (pvc) and paint bait patterns on it.   Wipe it down and paint more patterns, it's a great tool for practice.   

[.dsaavedra.]

nice to see you here dave! good starter info right there ^