Hey guys, i am really really new to making my own plastics. Basically the only reason i started was because i noticed how much plastic i was throwing away after each fishing trip. So i ordered a plastic mold and bought a warming plate and a pyrex container to melt the plastic in. I have made a couple batches of finesse worms. However, the color of the warms are always real faded and hazy. any ideas on how to fix this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-chase

You probably need to add a little worm die to the melt.

Add more color or less salt.  Be sure your getting your plastic up to 340 or so.  

i definately agree with ring fry.  u gotta add more color or try adding the dye in at different times like before u heat it and after you heat it i've done that it works with some colors

I wouldnt heat that pyrex on that hotplate.  Not a good idea.  It might break and spew hot plastic everywhere.

have you added worm oil to the worms after cool?  Some molds will give that type of finish also.  

Try spraying your mold with a worm oil or some type of oil based scent and then pour.  It will probably pour shinier.

What do yall suggest heating the hot plastic in if not in the pyrex?

I've always been told it can shatter on a hot plate due to extreme temp changes.  I use pyrex in a microwave and little aluminum pour cups with spouts for hotplates.  Thats the info I got from TU when I started years ago.

I just dont want you to burn yourself.  Its not fun.

i've always just use a sunflower heater that you can get at any sporting goods store and for the pans i use a small tin pot that you should be able to get on any place that sells soft plastic materials.  the only bad thing about the small pots is that you have to be very careful when you're pouring not the most user friendly way of doing it but you can pour quite a few at a time once you get used to it

Tell us about your mold. Is is aluminum, POP, etc?

i dont even know where to purchase molds. where  can i do this?

i dont even know where to purchase molds. where can i do this?

Bears Baits

M-F Manufacturing

Lure Craft

Or go to www.tackleunderground.com for more

i dont even know where to purchase molds. where can i do this?

Bobs Tackle Shack

U can get molds at most tackle making sites like

barlow's, lurecraft or hagen's

i would have to say that lurecraft probably has the widest selection of one or two piece molds along with a lot of color choices

Your Pyrex will be ok heating it with the hot plate---because the heat is added slowly by the hot plate, you won't have an issue.  It will only shatter with extreme temp changes, like if you heated plastic then put it directly into the freezer.  This is the same material that is used for casarole dishes that your momma used to have!!!

As far as the faded look, like the other guys said, you probably need to add color.  Expecially if your using melts from heavily salted baits, the salt will dull your color as well.

Presto Pot and mixer makes it so easy. I have built about 50 and everyone raves how easy they work.

See Video

http://www.dropshots.com/MBroggi#date/2008-02-02/05:37:24