DaveGH

I'm sure sunlight traveling through water will react a little different onto a glossy surface versus a matte. It may be subtle but I would think matte could even blend in better with the environment, visually, yet maybe lack some of the "lifelike" gloss or sheen coming from living creatures (and wet!). I've heard of oldtimers leaving cranks out in the sun in order to fade them, or purposely sanding, chipping them- or just a lure that has caught a ton of fish. Maybe not the same but its a little like the rattle, no rattle issue. I know shad make a sound and crawfish do, but I've never heard anything like the sound that some cranks make. Can anyone recommend where to get the "two ton" epoxy and maybe a small adjustable vise or clamp to make working easier? thanks

Thanks a lot guys, some great advice. I'll try to get some epoxy and also be careful with the handcrafted ones. I will try to make sure they're truly dry before a coat of epoxy. Great site, I hope I can keep it up.

Hello folks. I'm painting some flat sided cranks I bought handmade from a guy in TN. They are very nice. I'm a professional artist in drawing and painting. These 2 cranks I coated in gesso and have put an initial, pretty detailed, first layer with artists oils. I mix the oils with Liquin (a Windsor/Newton drier and hardener medium) and have lightly sanded them for a 2nd and probably final coat. I may try a final varnish that I have in aerosol. I really like the look I'm able to get with small brushes and am happy with the results so far (I'll post them when closer to done). Some questions... Do any of you use oil based paints? What would be an initial "sealer" base for oil? Final top coat? An epoxy? I'd like to be able to have both a "matte" finish, not only "glossy". I'd also like a small swiveling vise or something to that effect. I also wonder about the durability in water of this "painters" method I'm using but I know that museums are fulo of 400 yr old paintings in mint shape... Thanks for any advice and thoughts. Dave H