Several questions about painting jigs

[Shad_Master]

Hi guys,

Well I finally gathered all the materials and tried my hand at painting jigs yesterday for the first time.  The results were OK, but I have several questions that you guys may be able to help with:

1) I noticed that the various paint colors of powder paint each seemed to have their own charateristics; e.g. green pumpkin flake was very thin and white was very thick.  Is this typical?  Not having anything to compare it to makes me wonder.

2) After painting the jigs and letting them dry for 30 min to an hour, we hung them up in the oven to bake as indicated on the powder paint.  After 20 minutes, we disciovered that most of them had dripped, leaving at a minimum a bump on the head of the jig and at a maximum a string of paint up to 2" long.  What was this and how do you keep it from happening?

3) I did talk with another guy and he said to rig up some kind of device to stand the jigs up in the oven.  Do any of you have any suggestions for such a device (a picture would be good if you have one).

The concept is still a fun idea and look forward to catching my first bass on a lure that I "made".  But I seem to be off on a rocky start.  Thanks for the input.

[Vodkaman]

I don't do powder, but have read a lot. You are right, every color has its own characteristics, different weights/density.

The drips mean too much powder. Do a search on fluid bed. This will 'fluff up' the powder so you don't get so much on. You can build it yourself with little expense.

Dave

[Jig Man]

When you get that run in the paint you are getting too much paint on the head because the head is too hot.  The powder should be like flour and very dull when it goes on the head.  Then you are much less apt to have the run.   

And yes if you are going to paint very many a fluid bed would make life much easier.

[cadman]

Hi guys,

1) I noticed that the various paint colors of powder paint each seemed to have their own charateristics; e.g. green pumpkin flake was very thin and white was very thick. Is this typical? Not having anything to compare it to makes me wonder. Yes every powder paint has its own density. White being the worst as it takes more pigment to get white, white.

2) After painting the jigs and letting them dry for 30 min to an hour, we hung them up in the oven to bake as indicated on the powder paint. After 20 minutes, we disciovered that most of them had dripped, leaving at a minimum a bump on the head of the jig and at a maximum a string of paint up to 2" long. What was this and how do you keep it from happening? Way too much powder paint plain and simple. If you are using a fluid bed, than this shouldn't happen unless like others have said your jig is too hot and/or you keep the hot jig too long in the powder paint.

3) I did talk with another guy and he said to rig up some kind of device to stand the jigs up in the oven. Do any of you have any suggestions for such a device (a picture would be good if you have one). I hang all of my jigs on a rack by the hook bend with the nose hanging down. I never ever had paint drip from my jig. Thinner is always better. Also if you make a rack use allthread rod.This will keep your jigs from sliding into each other.......Hope this helps. If you want a pic of the rack I made send me a PM with your e-mail.

[Siebert Outdoors]

#1 you are correct.  All powders I have ever used have had different properties.   Brown being the easiest and white being worst that I have used.

#2  You dont have to let them "dry" that long.  Once cool from painting throw them in the oven to cure.  Make sure you knock out the eye or your going to have fits fixing that.

The coats are too thick.  Stir the paint after every head or every other head if your not using a fluid bet.  this will keep the powder fluffy.

3 if coated properly no device is needed.  the powder wont run.

Everything your explaining and difficulties I've went through.  I'll help as much as I can.

[Shad_Master]

Thanks for all the feedback guys - this was a first attempt and it was a little disappointing when we pulled 'em out of the oven.  Also, we were using a butane torch to heat 'em up and I am wondering if a heat gun wouldn't work better.  Priced both at the local box hardware and they are about the same.

Jake's idea for hanging them through the eye on will probably avoid the drip problem (at least until I can arrange for a fluid bed).  Can't wait for the ice to melt and start thowing some of these things (drips and all - LOL).

[Siebert Outdoors]

go to walmart and get a toaster over.  I think I paid 20-25 for mine.  It works the best.  it heats consistent and cures consistent.  Plus I wouldnt put lead in my cooking oven.

I dont use my fluid bed often on small batches.  I use the stir method.  Its faster and less messy for just a few jigs.

Cut the drip off,  file down, and recure or leave it.  I fish alot of jigs with drips.  It doesnt hurt a thing.

[FuzzyGrub]

Like the experts have indicated, it sounds like you are getting way too much paint on the jig.  I posted some info here after my 1st experience.  Without a fluid bed, fluff after each jig, a quick swish, and tap off excess. 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1262097875/13#13

[Shad_Master]

Well anybody who has done it is more "expert" than me - I'm guessing without a fluid bed the dipping is just a practice makes perfect kind of thing.

Have plenty of time here in the midwest to "get it right" before the water turns soft.

Thanks for the encouragement.

[Siebert Outdoors]

Shad,  just stir it a little more.  Heat the jig to 350 and dip.  You should be good after that.