I'm not as experinced as some on here, but I have been using the same product for the last couple of years on plastics and with good results. I will have to agree with the ealier post that temp is important . But since you say that is not the issue ........... I would say you need a turner . I have not tried DT2 without a turner but as quickly as it sets up ,I think a turner is key . There are alot of ideas on how to make them at little costs if you are just doing a few lures at a time . My first was made from a motor from an old christmas decoration and held 4 lures . My current one is from a grill rotissere and will hold 12 . Search this forum or youtube for ideas . I hope this helps . Oh, I have never tried thinning ,but in my case I've never felt I needed to .