Foiling Crankbaits

[Wally124]

I just started out painting crankbaits and wanted to make some chrome shad patterns. I researched and the only way to get close to chrome on crankbaits is to usee aluminum foil tape. I have done this quite a few times and I epoxy after I put the foil on and before I paint them. However I can still see the creases from the overlapping foil and I have a hard time having smooth foil the head and the hooks of the bait. Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated. 

[Gundog]

Sorry I can't help ya with your problem but if you search the tacklemaking threads there may be an answer that will help. And welcome to the forum. 

[Baitmaker]

Getting a perfectly smooth edge can be achieved by using multiple coats of epoxy. Do not apply any paint until you have built the epoxy up enough to hide it. Also, you may want to try using leafing foil as it is extremely thin. 

[Wally124]

Thank you for the tips. But won't multiple coats of epoxy make the lures action different?

[Baitmaker]

23 hours ago, Wally124 said:

Thank you for the tips. But won't multiple coats of epoxy make the lures action different?

A lite coat or 2 shouldn't effect it enough to make a huge difference. Unless you are adding it to an already suspending bait, it won't matter much on most wood floaters. 

[BobP]

Don't overlap the foil.  Use a piece for each side that runs from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the lure where you plan to apply white belly paint.  After applying the foil, burnish down the edges to minimize the seam then apply a coat of epoxy before painting.  It's hard to find adhesive foil that's thin these days but a little online research can help.  The foil at home centers usually are pretty thick.