Jump to content
silverdoctor

propionate on balsa

Recommended Posts

After two or three dips, the surface is fixed with the plastic. The first dip soaks in, the second dip fills any remaining pores, the third dip gives you something to sand. A light sanding to remove the raised grain, followed by another couple of dips should give you your prep. If grain is still evident, sand and dip again, until smooth.

A light rub down with scotchbrite or 600 grit paper, should give you good paint adhesion. This method works for me.

Dave

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dave; Thank you very much!

On my thick, tapered baits, I'm getting the reverse of raised grain, kinda like elongated pull out. Not real deep but annoying. The raised grain is easier to handle. I am now in the optimistic camp again! More experiments (with less screw-ups, hopefully.)

ken

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The balsa has to be sanded smooth to start (you knew there was no Free Lunch!). I sand down to 400 grit and then dip 6-10 times in prop solution. If any areas are rough after 2-3 dips, lightly sand them before continuing. For baits I fish myself, I don't get too worried about minor surface irregularities on balsa because I topcoat them with epoxy, which hides minor problems. As I understand it, commercial builders often use what they term a "build coat" to smooth out irregularities in balsa before finishing. It's more, and thicker (typically about 1 mm thick), than a grain filler. You see it on a lot of balsa baits if you strip the finish. One product I've heard used for it is flooring glue.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...


×
×
  • Create New...
Top