I'm thinking about getting started in painting my own crankbaits and have a few questions. First of all would I be able to get a decent air bush for around $50.000-$75.00? Secondly what kinda of paint would I want and expoy or lacquer? Lastly where would I be able to find some unpainted lipless baits like the Xcalibur Xr50 or the Strike King Red eye shad, or would I just buy new ones and lighty sand or score the finish and paint them? Thanks for looking at my ramblings and any info you might be willing share  

Jacob

Yes you can get a decent airbrush in that price range.  I use createx paint which is fairly inexpensive.  And as far as the unpainted bodies go you won't find any name brand ones but there are other ones at Jann's netcraft, Stamina and lots of other places just do a web search.  Also I like Mike Vann's at Vanndalizer.com.

NEVER SAND STORE BOUGHT BAITS, I learned my lesson the hard way.

There are a few other things you will need along with the airbrush.

Air compressor w/pressure regulator and moisture trap/filter.

Hoses and fittings to attach to the compressor.

Since you are just starting I would reccomend waterbased paints, with waterbased paints you will not need a sealed exhaust system like you would for any of the solvent based paints. Auto Air, Createx, Wildlife colors and most craft waterbased paints can be used. The better quality paints will give you a superior finish but while you are in the learning process the inexpensive craft paints can be used and are great for practice. There is a learning curve to thining paints properly and adjusting air pressures to get the results, just takes practice. Also with water based paints cleanup is easy.

With black, white, green, red, yellow and blue you can blend or mix about any color you can imagine, stay simple to start.

NEVER SAND STORE BOUGHT BAITS, I learned my lesson the hard way.

Why?