I have been using powder paints for my jigs. I was just wondering if it be worth my time and money to buy an airbrush kit to do my jigs or should I stick with powder paints? 

Do whatever makes you happy. The airbrush allows for detail but you also have to have a primer coat and then heat set each color before adding the next. If you are only doing a small amount of jigs and only have 1 airbrush it can become a pain as you have to clear and clean the airbrush every time you change colors. So it comes down to the fact of how much time and effort do you want to put into your jigs. There is nothing wrong if you want to make something a little more detailed regardless if it makes no difference to the fish. Just remember, doing a detailed paint job is more work but it can be more rewarding if you like doing that and want your jigs to be more detailed. Now if you just want a simple paint job and you are trying to decide on powder or airbrush well that kind of thing is a no brainer. Powder is by far faster as it is 1 coat coverage and when cured in an oven is a lot tougher and will hold up better than airbrush paint. The choice is up to you and what you want to do.

PC for me, but I'm not an artist and don't have much time to invest into each bait either haha!

If it is a bottom contact jig then PC all the way. I only airbrush swim jigs as they will be running through grass not rocks.

 

Allen

Airbrush is pretty, PC is practical.

If you want to fancy them up you could always do the cadman brush tap with powder.

On 10/18/2019 at 7:44 AM, smalljaw67 said:

Do whatever makes you happy. The airbrush allows for detail but you also have to have a primer coat and then heat set each color before adding the next. If you are only doing a small amount of jigs and only have 1 airbrush it can become a pain as you have to clear and clean the airbrush every time you change colors. So it comes down to the fact of how much time and effort do you want to put into your jigs. There is nothing wrong if you want to make something a little more detailed regardless if it makes no difference to the fish. Just remember, doing a detailed paint job is more work but it can be more rewarding if you like doing that and want your jigs to be more detailed. Now if you just want a simple paint job and you are trying to decide on powder or airbrush well that kind of thing is a no brainer. Powder is by far faster as it is 1 coat coverage and when cured in an oven is a lot tougher and will hold up better than airbrush paint. The choice is up to you and what you want to do.

Thank you for the advice I’m thinking just adding a accent color to the head. For heat set means your just heating up the coat correct? How will I know when it’s set? I only want to fancy up my swim jigs a bit 

Thanks everyone for the input 

2 hours ago, BradLytle said:

Thank you for the advice I’m thinking just adding a accent color to the head. For heat set means your just heating up the coat correct? How will I know when it’s set? I only want to fancy up my swim jigs a bit 

Thanks everyone for the input 

You can powder coat them then spray the throats  etc. with a airbrush. Clear over them with Devcon 2 ton 30 minute epoxy or Sally Hansen hard as nails fingernail polish. 

 

Allen 

If you want a function jig that bass will strike and doesn't chip or have paint in the hook eye use model paint and a small brush to apply it. Knowone on this or anyother bass fishing site has caught more big bass then I have using Testors enamel hand painted jigs.

It comes down to what you like to see, there is functional and art work, the bass could care less.

Tom

thank you for the input i will try the nail polish over after airburshing. Does anyone have any recommendation for a airbrush kit?

Currently I am using a $12 airbrush from Ebay that is Chinese made. Actually works better than my $170 Iwata. Just get the  .5 size tip as it is the best overall.

 

Allen 

2 hours ago, Munkin said:

Currently I am using a $12 airbrush from Ebay that is Chinese made. Actually works better than my $170 Iwata. Just get the  .5 size tip as it is the best overall.

 

Allen 

Okay. i found a kit from Walmart for $25 but it doesn't come with a compressor. is there any kits that includes a compressor too? 

what kind of paints do you guys recommend for airbrushing?

9 hours ago, BradLytle said:

Okay. i found a kit from Walmart for $25 but it doesn't come with a compressor. is there any kits that includes a compressor too? 

Harbor Freight sells the cheapest one I know of it is like $60.

 

Allen

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tattoo-Nail-Tool-Kit-Dual-Action-Spray-Gun-Airbrush-0-2-0-3-0-5mm-Needle-Art-Set/202525945361?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

This is the gun I am currently using.

 

Allen

I bought an airbrush on Ebay that I'm able to spray powder paint - so I'm airbrushing & PC at the same time...Saw a youtube video by SmallJaw (I believe) that turned me onto the idea...

 

It's inefficient from a paint-use perspective, but it comes out pretty!