Hughesy

The advise given by Craig and Jeff is right on. I really don't have anything to add to what they have already shared. I have been in business for almost 15 years now and both of these guys make some of the top baits in the industry in my opinion. Follow their lead as they are leading you down the right road. Go slow guys. Don't invest a bunch of money on high price equipment until there is a need for it. I just want everyone to know that as a moderator of this site I do visit the site several time a day. If I don't post on a subject it is because the correct answer has already been given by someone else. We are fortunate to have guys like Skeeter and Blackjack and others who have the knowledge to answer most questions that come up here. Listen and learn.

I don't like to use my air brush for the splatter effect. I use a tooth brush. Just take the brush and dip the fibers in water base paint. Then with the fibers of the brush down, (facing the floor) I drawn them back with my finger and give the a fling at the lure. Its a little messy but the splatter turns out really good. If you are sold on using an air brush, Dave instructions are right on. Thanks Dave.

Skeet, I will start with 220 and finish with 400 or 600.

Dave, Yes I wet sand the balsa baits. Water does not penatrate balsa unless it is under water for long perionds of time. I just think the wet sanding removes the damaged paint faster and leaves a smoother surface when you are done. After sanding let the lure dry for a while and it will be fine.

Killer job barefoot! Absolutely killer! All of you guys are doing some outstanding work. Keep it up.

http://www.dicknite.com

Try a small sand baster. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2380167444&category=11704

Holy Smokes those are unreal. What a great job. Tell us how you went about it!

Those are just about as the best looking baits I've seen. Are the baits hollow or solid?

Woodsac is right. We tried it years ago when we were first starting out. It is way to brittle, heavy and not clear for very long.

The ones I've seen have sand paper glued to the inside walls and just the weight of all of the baits inside the drum was enough to make them come out smooth. I think the sand paper was about 220 grit.

Why not put a thin coat of clear on it instead of shooting on the foil itself. That way if you don't like it you can wipe it off. Some of dick nites paints are great for the transparent look.

chuknwind, You can try thinning your paint to help get rid of the splatter. Also, take apart your air brush and look at your tip under a magnifying glass to see what kind of shape the hole is in. Sometimes, you can get a split in the tip and never know it until you look for it. When you shoot your baits, for a more distinct line and less fade, hold your air brush close to the bait. When shooting the black stripe down the back. I hold my brush 1 inch or less. This should eliminate overspray and give you a sharp contrast and rich color.

BassNator 1, I was just wondering why you went with the screw eyes instead of wire? I know the D baits use copper wire.

That sounds like a hunter to me. Build a couple more and see if you get the same results. Let us know!

Skeet, If it tears on you, you are probably using one size to small. The bait should float in the tube real loose before you heat it.

Well guys let me tell you what I use. I use heat shrink from Radio Shack. It comes in four foot lengths and also in various sizes in diameters. Lets take a stick bait for instance. I'll use the 3/4" diameter heat shrink. I will paint up a sample. Then slide the heat shrink over the bait. Shrink it down until if fits tight. While it is still on the bait I will cut out the gills or dots or fire tiger stripes or craw pattern or what ever. Then I slice the heat shrink down the belly and back long ways. Then, on the next bait I slip the 2 halves together over the bait, then I put a piece of duct tape or masking tape down the middle of the back to act as a hinge. The heat shrink can be cleaned many times. I only do this If I have many baits of the same type and pattern to do.

Good job Craig and Thanks!

Craiger, Send it to me too please! Thanks

This is done with a very thin translucent holographic foil that is applied to the bait and the very lightly painted over using transparent paints.

It might have something to do with the oil based sealer.

You can also us forceps or, as they are back in the 70's, roach clips! LOL

Sounds like to me you have a blockage . Take it apart and give it a good cleaning. The reason I say its a blockage is, you can get the same air bubbles by putting your finger over the tip and pulling the trigger.

A beautiful piece of art!

Another way to clear out your foggy sanded clear bait is to saturate a small piece of paper towel with MEK and wipe the lure with it. It kind of melts the plastic just a very little bit. Removes the sand marks also.