Powder Painting With Torch

JSC · #1 (**permalink**) August 12th, 2008

OK This may seem like a dumb question

... but ... I just got a Butane Torch to heat jigs for Powder Painting ... I have been using a heat gun & I am not "Swift" enough to heat them in the oven ... so I figured this would be faster, easier and cheaper & of course the first thing I did was melt a jig off the hook ... painted a few ... Now the questions
1. What part of the flame is the best to use ?
2. I know this will vary according to how large an item is but lets say for a 1/4 jig .. what is the aprox. time it takes to heat ?
Thanx in advance for a little help on this.
JSC

Vodkaman · #2 (**permalink**) August 12th, 2008

The hottest part of the flame is light blue triangle, in front of the nozzle. If you use a cooler part of the flame, there maybe carbon present from incomplete combustion. This may lead to sooting your job. You'll just have to regulate the temperature by moving the flame on and off the jig. Just my thoughts, I don't powder paint.

mpashnt1 · #3 (**permalink**) August 12th, 2008

When I use powder paint, I use a small hurricane lamp base with the wick. Use denatured alcohol and heat the jig for a couple seconds. and then dip your jig. Once you do a few, you'll know how long you have to heat them to get the finish you want. After they've dried, then you can bake them for 15-20 minutes to harden the paint even more.

cadman · #4 (**permalink**) August 12th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSC

OK This may seem like a dumb question

... but ... I just got a Butane Torch to heat jigs for Powder Painting ... I have been using a heat gun & I am not "Swift" enough to heat them in the oven ... so I figured this would be faster, easier and cheaper & of course the first thing I did was melt a jig off the hook ... painted a few ... Now the questions
1. What part of the flame is the best to use ?
2. I know this will vary according to how large an item is but lets say for a 1/4 jig .. what is the aprox. time it takes to heat ?
Thanx in advance for a little help on this.
JSC

Why did you get away from using a heat gun? Just curious. I'm not saying it can't be done any other way, it's just that I have been using a heat gun from day one going on 8+ years, and I put on mutiple colors with no problem. I don't have any issues with a heat gun. Good, clean, even heat.

reeves · #5 (**permalink**) August 12th, 2008

I think it a matter of preference and what you are most comfortable using. Both do the job well.

I use the torch for one reason and that is because I can see my source of heat and exactly where I want to place the jig in that heat source. With a heat gun (and I have tried it over and over), I manage to burn my fingers more than I care to admit to.

You will have to play around and experiment to see what is comfortable for you when using a torch. You don't need a real heavy flame, you are not trying to cut steel. I set my flame so it is only about 3/4" tall with a light blue center. When heating the jig I am continually moving it not letting the flame stay in the same place on the jig very long, you will melt many if you do. I like the jig hot enough so that when removed from the powder, it is melted and very wet or glossy looking. Remember, too hot will get you too much paint on the jig. Just play around and adjust your times accordinly. You will be painting beauties in no time.
Good Luck

JSC · #6 (**permalink**) August 12th, 2008

Thanx Guys for the replies.
I have been using a heat gun with good results .... with electricity prices going up I was thinking that the torch might be more economical .. and like Reeves siad .. you can see the flame.
Just a new learning curve ... my shop is so hot right now (an exhaust fan and a floor fan and its too hot except early AM) will be doing more shortly with fall not to far off (and all that better fishing) ...
Thanx Again guys ... the ones I did on the first try with the torch came out good just got to get the timing down ... and now I know where to concentrate in the torch flame.
Later
JSC

dayooper · #7 (**permalink**) August 13th, 2008

JSC,

I know that you stated you were wanting to get away from using electric to heat your jigs, but I would still recommend a toaster oven to preheat them. The advantages of a toaster over is that you can preheat lots of jigs at one time. Another advantage is the the jigs will all be preheated to the same temperature so it takes the guess work out of counting over a flame or heat gun. What we do is place the jigs in the toaster oven. I place them in a pan and my buddy insists on hanging them from the rack. What ever approach you use is fine. We then preheat them at 375 to 400 for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then simply pull them out with a pair of hemostats and dip in the fluid bed of jar of powder paint. We have done hundreds and hour this way. What it boils down to is what you are more comfortable with. I know cadman makes some supernice jigs and uses a heat gun. I have even used a candle. Good luck with what ever process you choose and have fun!!

Thanks,
Benjamin

rhahn427 · #8 (**permalink**) August 13th, 2008

I use all 3 methods. However, I'd never usea torch ...... that's overkill in my book and expensive. If I use a flame, I just use a candle or an alcohol lamp. Alcohol because it's very cheap, quick to use and burns very clean. Just light the lamp and put the jig in the flame and count and dip. Try a couple of different counts until you find the one that gives the temp that gives you the best paint melt for you.

If I'm making a bunch of jigs or very large jigheads I use the oven but if I'm just painting 20 for a fishing trip I just use the candle. I like the candle better than the heat gun but that's just my preference.

blbaits · #9 (**permalink**) August 13th, 2008

I have been using a propane torch to heat my jigs for years and then I put them in a toaster oven to cure. This works great! Just watch your lead and you can tell when it is getting too hot. The lead will get shiney looking and then melting will occur! I usually try to keep my jigs out away from the blue flame to get even heat through out the jig! I paint jigs from 1/8 oz to 8 oz this way.

JSC · #10 (**permalink**) August 13th, 2008

Thanks Guys
About the oven ... I have tried preheating (both on the rack and in the pan) ... I just seem to not get enough of them painted before they need re heating ... Guess I am too slow .. Course I make the final cure in the oven with a couple of racks that I have made that slip in (one at the time) just right .. i can be cureing one rack while painting and loading the other rack ... will be doing a few next week (got a grand son getting married this week end and seems like "POP" gets caught doing some jobs that I never thought of ...) ...
A lot of this is what works best for you .. and I am trying several ways ... I was sure glad to get into this powder painting from what I did years ago ... Epoxy Boat Paint .. Dipping racks, and all that good stuff... never did less than about 2 thousand at a time back then ... You mix that epoxy and try to use it down to the last drop. Also went the lacquer then dip in clear Epoxy Boat Paint to keep soft plastic from eating the lacquer up.
Thanks Again
JSC