Picked up an airbrush for the first time around 8 weeks ago.  My first few looked like something from preschool art class, but here are some of my latest.

 

 

Those look very good.  I would have guessed 8 years before 8 weeks.

 

BTW-welcome to the forums!

 

Jeff

Ill take them all

Very nice. To make that scale effect, is there an adhesive pattern that you stick on or do you lay a piece of mesh net or something over the bait? Pics of one from start to finish would be pretty cool.

Very nice. To make that scale effect, is there an adhesive pattern that you stick on or do you lay a piece of mesh net or something over the bait? Pics of one from start to finish would be pretty cool.

 

I don't have any pics of the steps, but to get the scale pattern you shoot your base color then wrap the bait with some type of mesh material.  I use a bath loofa and crimp it with small spring clamps or just hold it tight with my hand.  To prep the loofa I cut the string than binds it together then unravel it and straighen it out.  Then cut it into small sections just big enough to wrap the bait with.  Next I bring a pot of water to just boiling and dip each section for 15 seconds or so and lay them out on a dish towel and make sure they are flat as the dry.  This process softens the material and makes them more manageable when wrapping the bait.  You have to have the loofa very tight around the bait and then shoot your primary color.  Heat set with a heat gun for 10 seconds and then carefully remove the loofa.  Its easier than it sounds.

they look great! i just started painting my own about a month ago, what are you using to clear coat them?

ive been using devcon two part 5 min epoxy, but they dont look anywhere near as smooth as your's

they look great! i just started painting my own about a month ago, what are you using to clear coat them?

ive been using devcon two part 5 min epoxy, but they dont look anywhere near as smooth as your's

Use the regular devcon 2 ton epoxy (not the 5 minute.) It will level much nicer with the added curing time. You can also turn them on a rotisserie/rod drying motor while drying.

I like that first one. Good job.

Those last three are red hot... I know they would work around here in Va.  Keep up the amazing work.

 

Jay

Rust4r, I'm surprised you got even one lure done with 5 minute Devcon.  Problems:  it cures too fast to level out on the lure.  It cures too fast to comfortably brush on a lure.  It will turn an ugly brown color with a few months of use.  Lastly, it's not really waterproof like the Devcon Two Ton.  Get some of the Two Ton, you'll get much better results.

great! thanks for the replies guys. 

i will for sure get the 2 ton stuff or now on. i was able to get a lure done but you have to really work fast, kinna bummed i used it if its gonna turn brown in a cpl months as i have cleared about 15 baits this way.

 

oh well, its all a learning process:)

 

thanks again for the help

Forget the devcon altogether.  Bob Smiths slow cure epoxy blows devcon away.

I like that first one. Good job.

 

Thanks!

Those last three are red hot... I know they would work around here in Va.  Keep up the amazing work.

 

Jay

Thanks!

they look great! i just started painting my own about a month ago, what are you using to clear coat them?

ive been using devcon two part 5 min epoxy, but they dont look anywhere near as smooth as your's

Sending you a pm