How do you put scale pattern on soft baits?

[TNBasser]

I'm new to this great site and have just begun to try and create my own soft baits. It's really more of a hobby that I look forward to engaging in more and more as I approach retirement. Fishing is my passion but I must say that since finding this site I've begun to have almost as much enjoyment out of "creating" baits as in using them on the lake.

I've begun to create my own "models" of bait fish, lizards etc from which to create soft plastic baits. I create the models out of Sculpy etc then bake them and use the model to create the mold. I'm sure the fish don't really care but my artistic inclination drives me to make them as realistic as possible. However, I am stumped on how others are able to put a detailed scale pattern on baits. Think Matt Lures for example, one company which does a great job with this.

Can anyone help me with this? Many thanks!

[Delw]

if your making the mold out of POP you can use a ceramic scraper

[TNBasser]

Thanks for the advice but I must plead ignorance. How would a ceramic scraper work for this?

This following is my intended process. Tell me if you think I'm going about it the wrong way or using the wrong materials.

1) Make models out of Skulpy or similar material. This I have done.

2) Harden the models in an oven

3) Make a mold from the model out of silicone rubber currently from Micro-Mark.

4) Use that mold to make my soft plastic baits

Eventually I would like to have aluminum molds made such as those you manufacture. But for now I've got to get this process down. Is POP a better medium at this stage in your opinion?

Thanks

[Delw]

if you make the mold out of silicon than you would have to make the master have the detail.

however if you make the mold out of POP then you don't have to mess with the master and you can draw in the detail with a pen or marker then use the scraper to etch the POP mold.

.

[Travis]

I would add the scale detail before hardening in the oven. You can use a dowel, pencil, whatever you want to make a scale like pattern. You can get creative on how to make the scales. I would over do the scales so that all the detail is picked up once you coat the pop mold.

[Fish_N_Fool]

If you are using a hard master just go to your local wally world and get some wedding vail netting. Cut out the shape you want and stick it to your master where you want it after a coating of Devon or some other sealer is about half dry. Makes a great scale pattern and ez to do. For heavier scale pattern you can use small mesh expanded metal cut to shape and glued on and then sealed over the top to seal the metal some.

[bojon]

In the old days I used the netting from Wal Mart,and a crochet loop,made of wood,to spray the scales on my crankbaits.It worked very well.Might work for plastics.