[Balsa crankbait sealer]

You can use a vinyl sealer. I use some stuff that sherwin williams makes. only comes in gallons and 5 gallons though. 

[using concrete sealer to make water-based paint waterproof]

durability is what guys look for. Doubt it would hold up. As for matte finish, clear your bait as normal, scuff it up and spray some rustoleum Matte clear over top. The matte finish will eventually wear off, but the regular finish underneath it should be good still. 

[What makes a more expensive bait worth it over a cheaper one?]

As azsouth says, there are usually 2 different versions of blanks out there. If you put a 1.5 or a 2.5 from one supplier that you get for $1 and you put a 1.5 or 2.5 from another supplier that you paid $2-$3 for you can usually see a difference. Some guys dont care what they paint as long as its cheap in the long run it can hurt you though if you plan on selling painted baits. If it were up to me, I would rather pay more and get less lures that I know wont have issues than pay less and get more lures but the quality control isnt there. 

Im not biased on one supplier or another, there are just some I would not buy certain blanks from. When you have been importing for 8 years, you see a lot of baits. 

[Is it ok to test lure blanks without coating them?]

Yes if you properly prep the blank. Like JD said, super glue the line ties, and put the correct size hooks on like Dave stated. I personally wont run a blank unless it is painted because there are some other possible variables (clear coat).

[Bill material?]

I also sell the bill material. Although I will admit LPO is way more tailored to the hand made stuff.

https://dingerbaits.com/12x12-bill-material/

[NNN agreement form business overseas]

100% no way to guarantee that it wont get knocked off.... If you deal with a reputable manufacturer they will not sell it to others. But that is about as far as they will go. I have been dealing with China for the last 6 years. One company went and sold my molds to a couple other companies. 

[Why does everyone paint now? Literally everyone]

As a supplier i see it very cyclical. One day they are here, the next gone. 

[Kbs reaction to paint]

When i painted with acrylics (almost all Testors Aztek), I did use the Aztek clear as a barrier coat before dipping in KBS. Yellows and Blues tend to run the most. If you use the Clear it will run less or not at all. I switched to lacquer based to avoid issues and to get a better bond

 

[Making a rattle]

I use copper fittings for plumbing to make a chamber. 

[Help Needed To Get Paint 4 Kids Lure Project]

if the lures are not going to be air brushed you can use any acrylic paint. As for clear coat, i would say any type of non-yellowing epoxy. most guys in the states use E-tex, Devcon 2-ton or BSI 30 min for epoxies. least toxic way to o things for the kids. 

[Chrome Baits]

HVAC tape works for larger lures. I know of a guy who does hot foiling which looks pretty slick, but I think he only does plastic ones. The ones I get, I have the factory do them. Its expensive to pay some one to do it and is only worth it in large quantities. 

[Painting with Automotive Paint?]

Lacquer based will bond way better than water/acrylics. Just need to paint with caution. Meaning Respirator/mask, ventilation, and exhaust system 

[polytranspar paint user]

Im not a huge fan of Polytrans. I actually like the LifeTone better just wish you could get them in smaller bottles. as BobP said the Superhide White works great as a base coat though. 

[Duo Realis KO Eyes]

working on it. i get them with the D65's i sell but not enough.

[Soltar 20/20 troubles]

if its coming out around where you screw the head into, try putting a little Carmex on their. Its the same stuff that is in their cleaning kits that they sell retail. If i remember correctly there is a small Teflon bearing right before the needle enters the cup region on the brush (I may be confusing it with an Iwata). check that.  

[Transparent Urethane Fins?]

I learned it from another builder whom was more than willing to share.  It is the PCM-780 series by Smooth-On. difficult to not get bubbles in it. 

[Trying to track down a few RC .5 bodies]

Got them in early. Posted. 

23 hours ago, mark poulson said:

Your weight transfer rattling 2.5 square bills are the best!

 

Got those in today too

[Transparent Urethane Fins?]

Here is the color that the stuff I use from smooth on is.

 

[Trying to track down a few RC .5 bodies]

.5DD should be back on Wednesday or Thursday (19th or 20th). Spanks guys

 

[Transparent Urethane Fins?]

How transparent are you looking for? the stuff i have cures more of a clear/amber color

[Transparent Urethane Fins?]

Take a look at some of the Smooth-On products. They offer a large variety of urethane rubbers for this stuff. May be a little pricier, but it is a good product. 

[Trying to track down a few RC .5 bodies]

On 11/15/2018 at 9:27 PM, Dangerfield said:

Seems to be the same mould at dinger baits. Thanks for the feedback. 

not the same mold. sorry. 100% different quality 

.5DD's hopefully back in 2 weeks. 

[Resins???]

I use Featherlite for most of my stuff from Smooth-On. 

[Whopper Plopper knockoffs]

19 hours ago, JayBee said:

We've had snow in May before, an April blizzard is par for the course in Wisconsin.

 

Yup, hoping stuff finally starts to melt for the season opener in 2 weeks!

 

[Whopper Plopper knockoffs]

Mine didnt show up yet. Will be here tomorrow. Apparently 20+ inches of snow delays a package.