What is the trick to cleaning out the eyes on a crankbait after brushing on the epoxy? Am I putting on way too much? I waited for it to dry, but seemed like I was cutting into the paint which would allow water to enter. I'm sure there is a simple trick...

 

Not very clear after I posted, I was talking about the hook eyes and line tie.

Your'e probably putting it on a little thick.  Try putting it on a little thinner.  It's better to get the eyelet clean before it cures, so a good trick is using a toothpick to get the extra blob out. 

Try to not get it it the eyes when brushing it on and rotate the bait periodically to keep the epoxy from sagging. I use a lure turner built from a brbq rotisserie . If you do get some it the eyes take a small drill bit a drill it out by hand

x2 on the rotisserie, applying the epoxy more carefully, and the drill bit. Turning the lure while drying will help immensely with this. You can get a rotisserie motor at HomeDepot for around $15, probably even cheaper on Amazon. 

 

If you want to go the cheapest route, you can cover the screw eyes with some blue painters tape before sealing the lures.

 

Not sure what epoxy you're using (Devcon 2 Ton?) 

I ignore getting epoxy in the hook hangers and line tie.  It's dead simple to drill it out with a Dremel tool and a micro drill bit or a piece of stainless steel wire after it cures.

The trick I use is I put alligator clips over the eyelets, put on the epoxy then take off the clips before i put it on the rotisserie.  

You can thin the epoxy with rubbing alcohol if you desire a thinner coat. The thinner coat of epoxy will be just as durable and may not lump in the eyes so much.