My newest passion is carving balsa wood floating minnows.You can get the wood really cheap at hobby stores.So far I've managed to carve out some,IMO,outstanding minnows of all sizes.I still need to add the hardware and the paintjob.Does anyone have any experience in painting balsa baits?Any info or tips would be highly appreciated.When I get 'em "perfect" ,I'll post some pics of them.Thanks for any suggestions on painting these baits.Tight Lines,RR

WWW.tackleunderground.com is a great site that I've learned a great deal from for pouring soft plastics. They also have forums for building hard baits and wire baits. I think you will find many helpful people there to answer any questions you may have. Good luck!   Cedar1

Thanks,cedar!

ASK WHITTLER, HE DOES BEAUTIFUL WORK.

Will do,Falcon! Thanks.

DON'T CUT YOUR THUMB BRO, HATE TO SEE YA CUT IT OFF.... CAN'T LIFT THE BIG GALS OUT    OR MAYBE CUT IT OFF  I'LL LIFT THEM FOR YA  MY THUMB AINT SO ENOUGH!  

Rattlin, got any pics of those baits yet?

You will need to get a sealant for the wood.It should be applied before the paint.Hobby shops should have something.I have noticed a sealer in the model car section at Hobby Lobby.I think it would work.The main thing is to get something that is waterproof.

Cedar,so far all I've done is work on the minnows themselves.CJ,thanks for that info! Hey,Sorethumb I've managed to keep from cutting myself to ribbons,but Jamie gave it a try and immediately cut his finger.Wailed like a tomcat!

Painting balsa is not any different than painting any other wood but sealing the wood is a must with any wood you use. Anytime water can get under the top-coat then the paint and top-coat will lift. Some guys dip their baits in polyurathane varnish, some use Zinzer white sealer, some use epoxy and some like me use a plastic dip to seal under the paint. Once you seal the bait, sand with some 400 paper then prime, paint and top-coat.

Looking forward to seeing your baits.

Thanks a million,Whittler!