Big Epp

I have also heard good things about True Coat but not used it yet. I've use moisture cured urethane, D2T, and Etex Lite. All are different, but all have good qualities.

I get that! I bet we could do some really good work, it's just a matter of time and priorities. The small crank is the lure I tried the wash technique on, and the bass is a 7" glide bait I made a couple years ago and is all hand painted.

I found this stuff referenced in a post on bassresource: https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/metal-prep-coloring/paint-finishes/air-cure-aerosol-paints/aluma-hyde-ii-prod1117.aspx Seems like maybe a good option if you find the right color.

Might get in trouble for going nude, depending on the campground at least! That was my thought as well for colors, solid base colors, especially white and black, with a few accent colors like red, blue, and silver (maybe some green too). I'll have to try the hydro dip thing. it sound interesting!

Biggest rule for safety (I tell this one to my kids ALL the time)... Don't lick it! If this seems overly simplistic, keep in mind my kids are 7, 5, 3, and 2...

I think that's a pretty big key to it! I tried the "paint wash" method, and it is definitely something I'd need to practice a lot to get any good at. Brush painting is quite a bit different that airbrush painting! Part of the idea behind the post in the first place is the idea of being highly mobile. I've been reading about families who "roadschool," in which they travel around the country in an RV, converted school bus, or camper. Generally this is a couple year journey, and they get to take their kids all over the country and see all sorts of things, emphasis put on first hand experiences instead of textbook knowledge. One dynamic of this includes limited storage space... I would't be able to bring my whole shop, so I've been "what if-ing" my way through the process, what tools would I bring, what type of lures would I make, would I just take a break (probably not!), how would I simplify the whole process as much as possible. One bonus of this idea is my kids and I could catch fish in all 48 continental states and maybe some provinces in Canada too! Oh the possibilities...

Lots of great ideas! It's interesting to think back to the beginning. I've been reading books on carving and paintings birds (decoys, decorative, etc) and came across an interesting technique for working with acrylics. Basically, you dilute the paint to the consistency of milk and then apply it in multiple, thin washes. It sounds very similar layering paint within an airbrush. I'm going to try it out and see how it goes.

How would you paint lures?

I've only done one, so I'm nowhere near an expert. I used the brush for fins, not the tail on this one, but I'd assume it's a similar process. I used an old paintbrush and used superglue to install it. I trimmed mine after installation.

I talked with an auto detailing teacher before getting my first airbrush, and his recommendation was the Iwata Eclipse HP-BS. I'd imagine if there's a different style Eclipse for your preferences it would be just fine as well. He said that is the best way to go.

Dang, this was a great (old) read! Very timely too, as I've sort of been feeling stalled out and adrift as a baitmaker. I made my first wood lure with my grandpa when I was about 8, 26 years ago. It was a simple, bass-o-reno style lure. He showed me how to shape it and some basic carving techniques. I still have it, though it is now very retired, as my grandpa died a few years back. I dabbled very ccasionally with making this or that but started to make lures more intentionally 3 years ago. I found TU early on and it was and continues to be very helpful. At the time my goal was to make my own stuff so I didn't have to pay the painful prices at the store. My first lures were all turned on a lathe and left unpainted. I put some eyes on them with markers or nail polish and sealed them with oil modified urethane gym floor sealer. The next bunch were square bill cranks. I made the profile with a protractor and played a bit with weight to get the action right. I was working as a school guidance counselor at the time, and every now and then I'd take a kid to the woodshop and help him make a lure. That was a neat experience. Now I'm sort of muddling along. I want to sell enough to advance the hobby and keep buying the various supplies, but I've got to figure out the tax stuff still. I started making bass jigs this past spring, which has been great too. Over the past three years I've gotten to the point where (other than soft plastics) most of the lures I use are home made. Just last night I was fishing with one of my clients (I'm a mental health counselor) and we both caught some white bass and bluegill on inline spinners we made. We made his together in my office and I had made mine previously. He also caught a largemouth, and commented on how neat it was to catch fish on a homemade lure! One day at a time...

I love it when we can find good local connections!

This guy on etsy has a Squarebill called "Sunrise" that looks pretty similar: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Barebassbaits?ref=shop_sugg

Dude, this thing looks crazy! I'm no manufacturer, but if you need a tester... Best of luck to you!