wsswesty

I have been using Polytranspar and regular Createx paints for some time and would like to experiment with the Auto Air paints. I would like to get some input on the type of AA paints you all use. I'm interested in painting crankbaits and getting that beautiful finish that I see so much of in the gallery. There are so many choices (metallic, transparent, candy, pearl, etc) that I'm not sure what to buy. What type of AA paints do you all use most of the time to paint your crankbaits? Thanks so much for your time. wsswesty

Peter....Thanks for posting the link. Wow! fantastic paint jobs. Great site!

Sugar Bear....where do you buy the plastic connecters which allow you to paint from the bottle? Thanks for the info.

I used an Airbrush City airbrush for two years and love it. I now also have a Paasche. I'm needing a part for the ABC brush and haven't had time to order it. I stripped some threads. They are excellent about backing up there products.

Those look like real fish catchers! Hope you had fun making them. Great job for your first baits! Are you hooked yet?....LOL

You've received a lot of good info on your question. One other thing you might want to consider is concentrating on the medium tip instead of the fine if you are going to use Createx. Fine needles are to be used with inks and really watered down paints. I tried using thinned Createx with the fine tip and it splattered badly. Switched to the medium and it did fine. Hope this helps.

I just recently had to replace my old airbrush. I bought a very nice Paasche VL set (double action) for 89 bucks at a local craft shop.

I normally use basswood for my lures. I'm sure the fellows on here will give you some other ideas. As for the lure components, I order most of my hardware from Jans Netcraft. You can do a Google search and find Jan's easily. Hope this helps!

Hey Riverman...Those are some great looking baits. Just what I need when I go to Canada next year! Excellent paint jobs!

I also drill very tiny eye holes completely through the bait while it is still square. That way, your eyes are always lined up.

Fishy, Try doing a search for Balsa Foam. They make a I, II, and III with different densities. The highest is around 22 lbs. I know there are some arts/crafts stores online that sell it.

I get mine from JP's Corner on Ebay. I've been buying from him for several years. They have an excellent product and quick shipping.

I use Flux brushes. I buy them at Harbor Freight and get around 20 for 5 bucks or so. Just a work of caution, however, be sure to run your fingers of the bristles and give a gently pull to get rid of the bristles that are not connected.

I would be very interested in joining some type of organization dedicated to lure making. There are many good points about the classifications (pro's and con's). If the association would happen to have lure competitions in the future (similar to fish carving and decoy carving competitions) then classifications would probably be needed. Even then, they usually have classifications called "Open" divisions where anyone (beginner to master) can enter their carvings. I think the idea is great and applaud you for your efforts. Every organization goes through the same issues....it's just part of the evolutionary process. Hammering out issues is what makes the organization strong and viable. If you need volunteer help...let me know.

Paul...There are alot of guys on here that can probably answer your question better than I but, I will tell you what I do. Also, there have been some excellent posts regarding airbrush cleaning. First of all, I use waterbased paint and I have found that if I flush my airbrush when I'm finished with Windex, it eliminates about 90% of my problems. If I experience problems while I'm painting...I just put my bottle of windex on....backflush and spray it about 10 seconds...put my paint back on and keep painting. Also, I think I remember reading that you should not soak your airbrush. I used to be guilty of that but, since I've started using Windex, I haven't had any problems. Hope this helps!

Cranker...I would have to go along with what Skeeter mentioned. Play around with your air pressures for finer detail work. When I do fine detail work I normally practice on paper first...get your paint thin enough to about the consistancy of milk. Then try spraying at different distances to where it is not splattering. If that doesn't work...play with air pressure some more. Maybe even reduce it and see what happens! I am not familiar with the paint you are using but, I can tell you, Createx when thinned properly is fantastic and shoots detail soft as a babies behind.

Thanks Nathan for turning us on to this site. Fantastic resource!!

I've been using Kilz white wood primer (waterbased) by Lowes. Dries fast and is easy to sand. You might need to dilute it a little with water. I also like Dupli-Color white sandable primer which can be bought at automotive stores.

Minky....great job for your first lure! I really like the body style. Keep up the good work.

Jed...yes the fins are carved out of the same block of wood.

Hi all....just finished this little guy. Measures 4", metal diving lip, glass eyes, and rolled scales. Thanks for looking

Hey...that is great. I think I will have to re-do mine now after seeing yours..LOL. Great job! Scott www.bluestonebaitco.com

I bought a rotissarie from Walmart for 19.99. Used a styrofoam wheel wrapped in plastic and glued dowel rods in it. The forks on the rotissarie stick into the styrofoam and hold it firmly. Works great. Scott

You described exactly whats going on with my airbrush. The trigger has been sticking and driving me crazy. I have been soaking my airbrush in lacquer thinner.....! I was just wondering if you could tell me what kind of cleaner I should use with water-based paint? I've always just used water before. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks Scott

I had some larvae lace and it works perfectly. I was racking my brain trying to figure out what to use. I heated it up just a little and bent the whiskers so they would flow backwards. Great idea!!! Scott