So i want to start painting custom crankbaits, not really to seriously just as a hobby/ something to do when i cant fish. I dont really know much about it, but i ordered some cheap bodys to paint. I've done a little research and most people say to use an airbrush. While i would like to do this in the future, I just cant afford it right now. I've decided to use spray paint for my base colors, but i cant seem to find on any of these post what type of paint to use to paint the details with a brush. Id also appriciate any advice anyone has for me.

YouTube is your friend when it comes to learning how to paint cranks or any type of lure.  Before I got started painting crankbaits I spent hours and hours watching youtube videos on how to use an airbrush, paint baits, etc.  You can get a lot of great pointers and ideas from Lure Colour Studio or Lure Me In.  If you already have the blanks it would be worth it to invest in a decent airbrush to start out with. You can get a Master Airbrush for under $30 and if you have an air compressor can get up and running for under $100. 

Just use cheap acrylic paint. Easy to use. The air brush(when you get there) will have better results but I too did the same as you are about to do. Use an imagination on what to use to paint.

Small brushes

Foam sponges (makes neat designs when dabbed)

Nail heads...

1 hour ago, YUT18 said:

YouTube is your friend when it comes to learning how to paint cranks or any type of lure.  Before I got started painting crankbaits I spent hours and hours watching youtube videos on how to use an airbrush, paint baits, etc.  You can get a lot of great pointers and ideas from Lure Colour Studio or Lure Me In.  If you already have the blanks it would be worth it to invest in a decent airbrush to start out with. You can get a Master Airbrush for under $30 and if you have an air compressor can get up and running for under $100. 

I use YouTube a lot, and i will definitely check out those channels. I plan to get an airbrush but i just dont have a lot of extra money right now. Right now i'm looking to try it out and see if I like it.    

1 hour ago, Bruce424 said:

Just use cheap acrylic paint. Easy to use. The air brush(when you get there) will have better results but I too did the same as you are about to do. Use an imagination on what to use to paint.

Small brushes

Foam sponges (makes neat designs when dabbed)

Nail heads...

ah, i never would have thought about using other things like that, sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the advice

You can use just about any method to paint cranks.  Airbrush is best and easiest.  You can use acrylic paint pens.  You can use acrylic paint and paint brushes.  You can use rattle cans.  You can mix and match any of these techniques.  I’ve seen all of these produce good looking baits.  Just choose one or two you can afford and get started, then develop your technique and tools as you learn.

I used standard paint brushes and acrylics and while airbrushes are superior, paint brushes will work. I mean Van Gogh, Monet, and my man Bob Ross have done done awesome things pre-air brush. 

 

Thank goodness photo bucket is blocking pictures for non paying folks or else you’d be able to see how awful I am at painting hand or air brush in posts here, lol.