Custom Painting of Lures

[Fishin' Freak]

I am wanting to get started custom painting my own cranks and stickbaits. I am looking for any info I can get. For instance what style of airbrush do some of you who do this use--single or double action? What size of tip do you prefer and do you prefer gravity feed or hose feed for your paint? Do you use oil base auto paint or does acrylic paint work? Basicly I am looking for any starter info and tips anyone can give me. I have done some research on the internet but I want to get some input from someone who does this. Thanks in advance.

[Flysmallie]

Double action is the way to go. It allows you to really control the fluid delivery. You can get a good one for 50 to 60 bucks. You will also want a variety of tips. That way you will be able to paint with a pattern from a fine pencil point to a wide one inch pattern.

I use automotive paint mostly because that is the business that I'm in, but it does have great benefits over other paints. First it is very durable. Plus when using multi colors you can do them in a basecoat and then clear the final product to give it an amazing shine. The color possibilities of auto paint are endless, plus you have the addition of several sizes of metallic and the pearls are a lot of fun to play with as well.

I mostly paint hard bodied poppers but lately my dad has recruited me to paint some custom crankbaits and stick baits for him. It's a lot easier than what you would think.

If you want to go into more detail or need help on deciding which brush to buy, give me a call. I'm not the best in the world but I have access to a lot of info and can probably get you some good prices.

Ronnie

417-839-5530

[Fishin' Freak]

Flysmallie,

I will give you a call on Wed. I am very interested in visiting with you and getting into more detail. I live in Nixa so maybe we could meet up sometime. Thanks for the info.

Matt

[taxidermist]

I use a Pasche VL for most work, it is a good durable airbrush. You can get excellent detail. You can also set it for single action.

The deal with single action is get a good one those cheap off brands suck.

Pasche makes an H series, which is great you adjust the fluid with on hand and air pressure with the other.

The trick for detail is to get the right amount of retarder to allow the paint to flow easily and the air pressure.

Tamaya (sp) makes model car paints that are water cleanup and they are very good for lures, you just need to clean the lure weel before applying. Plus you get a great amount of colors in the amounts you may need.

I use a Sotar 20/20 for detail painting the price in around $200.00 but you can do without it.

The next thing is a compressor with a storage tank, you have to have the tank and then a regulator and a moisture trap, without the trap your painting will suck!! I use one at the tank and one near the airbrush of gloss gun.

www.bearair.com

www.dixieart.com

VLset for $68.00 includes hose and three tips, plus jar and color cup, airhose.

Thayer-Chandler makes a great airbrush Cresendo, its forgiving!!! Lots of t-shirt guys use these. Double action, good value maybe be a better airbrushe than the VL.

I stick with the VL because I have tons of VL parts after buying out a small taxidermy supply company years ago. There are few parts that need replacing unless I drop the darn thing.

[jdmidwest]

I was given a few custom stickbaits made by a friend of mine that were painted with a crackle paint. It was a special paint that makes cracks that looked like scale when it dried. They turned out pretty good. I think the paint is sold in hardware stores.