Alternate Powder Sources?

[Cabrilla Grande]

I think I got the pouring part down, now onto the painting part.

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on where to buy powder paint. First off, I don't have a fluidized bed, yet. I'm gonna be building one this weekend, so my results so far were with just plain dipping.

I had decent results with the pro-tec powder I purchased. The few colors I had dipped reasonably well except for the chartruese. I did try the harbor freight brand powder, since a saw a few threads where it was recommended, but I didn't do very well with that at all. It went on really thick and it had an unpleasant odor which I would describe as "burnt licorice".

Protec is really expensive, though. I saw the sites, columbia coating and powderbuythepound recommended... how does their powder do? Is it as workable as the protec? I see they have listing for "standard" colors and "epoxy" colors. What should I get? What dips the best? Isn't protec an epoxy?

Also... I plan on epoxying the heads after painting. Seems like the devcon/permatex 2ton 30min is recommended. How does flex coat rod finish work? I got a guy who can get me that for cheap. Those little devcon syringes are kinda pricey.

Here's a pic of one of my first painted heads so far, just because I find threads w/o pictures kind of boring:

[airbrushextreme]

I use columbia coatings their powder is much more durable and easier to use than any of the others their epoxy refers to an epoxy based powder and it works just like any of the others. their transparent colors and candy colors I usea lot on blades and some spinnerbait and jigheads I like their veins and marbles a lot too I have done some dropshot and carolina rig weights in the elegant earthtone and I have used the chrome and gold metallics to refurbish some old spoons for a good friend I havent had any problems with any of their powders no lumps or incosistencies as well. I found a great glitter that can be added that wont melt or burn that is offered by parma paints their fasglitter it can be added to any of the colors and looks great

[wingnut]

As far as coating with flex-coat after they're painted. I've had good results with threadmaster. Same type of product but you still need to buy the syringes to get the mix accurate. Those eyes really look good, was there an indentation to put the eyes into in the casting.

[Cabrilla Grande]

Those eyes really look good, was there an indentation to put the eyes into in the casting.

No indentation but I made a flat so I can glue them on. Hoping to epoxy over them so they stay put. I got the eyes from barlow's tackle. I like the style but hoping they're not too trendy since I've seen alot of them used now.

[patrick reif]

http://www.caswellplating.com/powder/powder_colors.html#

This was recommended by a buddy. My Protec painted jigheads were chipping quickly, but his looked good for a long time.

I ordered 1lbs of it the other day, but it hasn't arrived, so no personal experience with it yet.

Researching the various types of powders they offer, they said the polyuerathane powders were highly chip resistant...I went with that.

Look for those they have on clearance for the real savings. I paid full price for the black cat. I need it and didn't want to wait.

BTW, you don't really need a fluid bed. A heat gun and small cheap disposable paint brush works well. It's all in the timing.

Don't get me wrong, if you just want a fluid bed, go for it. I'm running out of space in a 3 bay garage though

I gotta go check out Columbia Coatings now.

[Big-D]

I'm the one who reccomended Caswell Platings to Patrick. I've been using their powder for several years and have no complaints with the product or company. Every once in a while they have their powders on sale for half off- and that's when I restock.

Candy, vein, solids, metallics... they all have been good.

-D