Hi all,

After some of the responses I received in a topic about double colorado blade spinnerbaits I posted a few days ago, I decided I want to start making my own lures (not just spinnerbaits, all types).

Do any of you have any advice about air brush painters? The thing I'm most unsure of is what's the best psi for painting lures? I've seen different air brush products with psi ratings in the 40s - 50s.

The other issue I could use some advice about is which type of paint (acrylic, water-based, etc.) is best for painting lures? I suspect it depends on what type of material you're painting (soft plastic, silicone, wood, etc.).

There are so many factors to take into consideration, and this is what's making it so overwhelming for me to figure what I need to start putting in my collection of a paintbrush and paints for lure making. Any help will be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Matt

I use mainly Createx paints, both in their basic and “Wicked Colors” lines. I’m still trying to find the perfect epoxy/clear coat, so some definite experimentation going on there. I like adding various pearls and metal flakes into the clear.

As far as airbrushes go, I’ve got a Badger Patriot and a couple cheap Harbor Freight jobs, running off a Harbor Freight compressor.

It can get really fun and addictive.

It can be very addicting. I use a cheap ($30) airbrush from amazon that works jjust as well as the badger that i paid over $100 for 25 years ago. As far as pressure goes, i usually spray around 30 psi, but it varies. I also use Createx paint mostly, but any craft acrylic paint will work if thinned properly. I used old baits that i didn't like the color, or new baits that were cheap to start with. I have had good results with many styles of knock-off blanks that are available these days. i wish that i started 50 years ago.

1 hour ago, detroit1 said:

I used old baits that i didn't like the color, or new baits that were cheap to start with. I have had good results with many styles of knock-off blanks that are available these days. i wish that i started 50 years ago.

I’ve been rebuilding my stock of discontinued cranks through refinishing. A good DB3 Dredge will go $30-$50 on EBay, but an odd color or cosmetic damaged might go for $3. A little paint and some new hooks/split rings and I’m in business.

I find a lot of absolute gold in cosmetically damaged (or just ugly to begin with) cranks at flea markets and yard sales for the princely sum of 50 cents or less.

Master airbrush from Ebay or Amazon for $20 to get started. You want a .3 or. 5 tip for the brush. Harbor Freight has a airbrush compressor for about $50 that works well. For paints the Createx Wicked brand is what I use the most. Something to remember about wicked paints is if it has detail in the name the paint is more transparent. For basecoat Autoborne sealer works great just get white or gray.

Allen

24 minutes ago, Munkin said:

Master airbrush from Ebay or Amazon for $20 to get started.

I have two Masters and a Neoeco that are all pretty good airbrushes

Master - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002KJDXHQ?th=1

Neoeco - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW5MFYV5?th=1

Both are $40 brushes, but come with three different needle/nozzle sizes.

26 minutes ago, Munkin said:

Harbor Freight has a airbrush compressor for about $50 that works well.

My compressor is also from Amazon - very good, very quiet...$86

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VT2F5N9

For paints - Createx is probably the best I've used - but I've also used the $2 bottles of craft-acrylics from Micheals with success - just thin them well.

Honest question, would artist and modeler paints function acceptably for painting lures as long as I used a gloss varnish to seal them?

21 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

Honest question, would artist and modeler paints function acceptably for painting lures as long as I used a gloss varnish to seal them?

Any paint you can shoot should be fine. Any decent topcoat would also work.

2 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

Honest question, would artist and modeler paints function acceptably for painting lures as long as I used a gloss varnish to seal them?

Use to paint baits with spray paint cans and use 2 part epoxy for the clearcoat.

Allen