fatfingers

Predator, you should consider clearing between sections of your painting process. For example, when you get your base colors faded on and before you start adding stripes or scales, shoot some clear first. Or you can even use Krylon spray can clear. I like automotive clear because its tough, hard, and I can shoot it with my airbrush. That way if you make a mistake with the scales, stripes, gills, fins or any other detail work, you can usually just wipe if off and start over without ruining the fades of base colors underneath. It can prevent you from having to re-prime and start all over again. It can be a good idea to clear the entire job when your done. That way, the paint is good and protected while you finish the process by adding envirotex or Devcon 2 ton epoxy or whatever you choose for a finish clearcoat. Paint can be a bit delicate to handle until you get that final hard clearcoat on.

I don't use lacquer but I do use both Createx and enamels. Sometimes I even use both on the same bait. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Neither provides superior details over the other, in my opinion.

You could also try: www.mooreslures.com

I have a Turncrafter Pro from Penn State Industries. It cost about $160. Great lathe and they carry parts. American made stuff.

After completing the process I described above, you can give the eye a "3D" effect by placing a blob of epoxy over it and letting it dry before applying the eye to the bait. You can also use different types of mylar-type paper and other holographic papers to punch the eyes from. Or...you can simply use a pencil eraser to put a dab of paint on in yellow or white directly on the lure and then put a smaller dab for white/black for the pupil. With a bit of practice a lot of builders make excellent hand-painted eyes. Check out the gallery for examples and ideas.

You can buy furnace foil tape at Walmart. Punch it with a paper punch. Put a dab of black paint in the center with a small nail head. Peel the paper backing off and stick it on the lure. You could also put a dab of white on, then put a dab of black in the center of the white, and you'd have a silver eye with a white/black center pupil.

Thanks, Woodie. Keram, I have a flat-rate plan and I get unlimited long-distance calling whether we use 10 minutes or 10 hours...so you call and I can call you back free.

Thank you, Keram, and welcome to the boards. You made my day and I appreciate that. If you ever need any help at all, send me a PM and I will help you in any way I can. I'll also give you my phone number and we can talk about whatever your working on, which is sometimes a lot easier. The best part is making new friends.

Thanks, Mark and Quick20xd. I've tried the shell casings. I've actually used 9mm luger shell casings for larger hardbaits. They work fine. In this case, I also like the sound generated by glass. As always, there's usually more than one way to get the job done.