bass jig finish

[jigdaddy]

Can anybody tell me what is the best clear finish is for jigs?

Jigs start to get alittle dull after a all day fishing trip.

[Basseducer]

jigdaddy,

I usually powder paint everything and leave it at that. If I want more gloss or to add just flake I use clear powder with the flake in it. If I'm adding eyes and flake or painting scales or other details with acrylic I use epoxy. You must be doing something right because I usually loose the jig before fading or chipping paint becomes a factor.

Edited August 5, 2009 by Basseducer

[cadman]

Jigdaddy,

I do the same or similar to what TJ does.

#1 For my personal jigs I don't clearcoat and rarely use eyes. The baked finish is sufficient.

#2 If you want just a clearcoat on, a baked on powder clear will work or you can use the clear with glitter like TJ mentioned.

#3 If you are using eyes, then I would suggest an epoxy like Devcon 2 Ton 30 minute (D2T).

#4 There are others, but I have not used them.

I have a chemist working on a Super Clear powder, that will work on 2d and 3d eyes and can be baked on with the eyes in place. This would save tons of time insted of waiting for epoxy to dry...........I will post when I get the issues resolved.

[jigdaddy]

Thanks for the info. I do use the powder paint for my jigs.By the way cadman the fluid bed works good,you sent me some plans. I'm useing paper bags,they work best for me.

There is a clear finish by cs coatings, called seal coat,fast drying.Also said its stronger than epoxy. one part,just dip. Just thogh that somebody as tried it.

[cadman]

Thanks for the info. I do use the powder paint for my jigs.By the way cadman the fluid bed works good,you sent me some plans. I'm useing paper bags,they work best for me.

There is a clear finish by cs coatings, called seal coat,fast drying.Also said its stronger than epoxy. one part,just dip. Just thogh that somebody as tried it.

Glad the fluid bed worked out for you...............I know that Yankee Jigger uses the CS coatings Seal Coat, and he highly recommends it . There is also E-tex which is supposed to dry very clear. Not as durable as DT2 but very good with several coats applied. I also have some E-tex at home I'm going to try..... will post my own results once I get some time.

Edited August 5, 2009 by cadman

[smalljaw]

I use the devcon 2T, it's by far the most durable and so far it's the only one I've found that dries without getting dull or yellowing. I've tried flex coat epoxy and while it dries clear, it's very dull, I also used the seal coat from CSI and it does dry fast but it isn't very durable as I've had jigs that I was able to peel the finish off of after an hour or so of fishing, it may have been bad or I didn't stir it enough but I never had any problems with devcon so I stick with that.

[cadman]

I use the devcon 2T, it's by far the most durable and so far it's the only one I've found that dries without getting dull or yellowing. I've tried flex coat epoxy and while it dries clear, it's very dull, I also used the seal coat from CSI and it does dry fast but it isn't very durable as I've had jigs that I was able to peel the finish off of after an hour or so of fishing, it may have been bad or I didn't stir it enough but I never had any problems with devcon so I stick with that.

I'm a diehard D2T user also. I love it so much that I don't use anything else. However I'm always in the market to try something different if it works. (BTW thanks for your input on what you've already tried smalljaw.) My only issue is that when I have 500 jigs to do with eyes, that is a lot of D2T and a lot of application time and a lot of drying time.............With that said I'm really excited about this new super clear powder. I'll see how it goes.

[jigdaddy]

Using D2T,can i put the eyes on and then clear coat everthing.

Thanks ,cadman and smalljaw for the info,this will save money and time.

Now i don't have to experiment with different products.

[cadman]

Using D2T,can i put the eyes on and then clear coat everthing.

Thanks ,cadman and smalljaw for the info,this will save money and time.

Now i don't have to experiment with different products.

The way I do it is like this. Once the jigs are baked, I keep them on the rack that I baked it on. When I put the 2d or 3d eyes on, I put latex gloves on both hands and start applying the eyes, then once in place I press them down with my latex covered fingers. This keeps my oily fingers and hands from touching the jig as little as possible. This may be extreme, but if you get oil on your jigs, D2T sometimes may not cover all the spots. The other alternative is to wipe all your jigs down with alcohol after you put the eyes on if you chose not to use gloves. Once you get all your eyes on, I still leave my gloves on, and then start mixing a small batch of D2T at a time. Apply it to the entire jig and as many jigs as possible. Then mix more and keep on doing this until I'm finished. I keep all my jigs standing heads up, so if any epoxy drips, it will drip down. If you aplly it correctly, you should have no drips..............That's it .........If you have more questions please ask....I'm sure others may have shortcuts or other ideas. My word isn't gospel, this is just what I do. Try to see what works for you and if you find something easier please post it for all of us.

[now thats a fish]

I have a chemist working on a Super Clear powder, that will work on 2d and 3d eyes and can be baked on with the eyes in place. This would save tons of time insted of waiting for epoxy to dry...........I will post when I get the issues resolved.

A Chemist for a friend.....hmmm....that could be fun

Thanks ahead for any updates on the Super Clear Powder