Ways To Reduce Bubbles

[MuskyHunter]

Several questions on this.

1. Do you add the scent before or after heating? I have seen mixed messages on this.

2. Salt, I have seen people add this after heating. when is the best time to add salt?

3. what are all of the things that should be added after heating?

Thanks

[powerworm]

alot of people have differing opinions on these areas here are mine...

1. i have found that scent added either during cooking or just in the packaging is no different unless there is salt then add during cooking and it will permeate the bait more. if no salt then just during packaging.

2. always add salt after plasisol has come up to temp and before you add colorant to the plastisol.

3. the only things i can think of adding BEFORE heating is hardener and fluoroscent colors EVERYTHING ELSE IS AFTER HEATING

[MuskyHunter]

alot of people have differing opinions on these areas here are mine...

1. i have found that scent added either during cooking or just in the packaging is no different unless there is salt then add during cooking and it will permeate the bait more. if no salt then just during packaging.

2. always add salt after plasisol has come up to temp and before you add colorant to the plastisol.

3. the only things i can think of adding BEFORE heating is hardener and fluoroscent colors EVERYTHING ELSE IS AFTER HEATING

Ok. Thanks. This is contrary to some of the videos I have seen and color recipes.

[TBaits]

I have followed the same guidelines as powerworm has stated and have had no problems.

[MuskyHunter]

This might explain some of my troubles.

[GB GONE]

Ditto to Jon's method but I cook scent into my baits and do not add any after.

In addtion, be sure to use something metal to stir vs something wooden and if you cook a scent in, be sure it is oil based vs water based.

If you are getting a lot of bubbles and using salt, your salt probably has moisture in it.

Jim

[Delw]

if its in the plastic before you add anythign there is nothing really that can be done. there are some additives ( keroseen works too) that take just a few drops.

when adding salt it will happen but it all depends on how much moisture your salt has in it. always put corragated cardboard in your salt container it will help reduce moisture ( its an old reloaders trick for gun powder)

you can also back your salt in a over at 150 degrees or somewhere around there. that will take the moiture out. someone told me about this or posted it here long ago.

on scents as long as its oil based you wont have bubble issues like mentioned above.

Years ago I used to use kicken bass which was water base, I dumped it in the pot before pouring after the plastic was nice and hot. yes it popped and splattered a tad but it work and since I was using a bottom pouring pot(lee) I had no bubble issues.

cooking your plastic on a stove vs the microwave will also reduce bubbles and again having a bottom pouring pot will help as well as the bubbles rise to the top.

as far as heating and waht to add before, like they all said above, softener, hardener and flo colors should be added before, colors its better to add before as you get a brighter more truer color but not necc. one good thing about adding colors after is you can see the exact color you want instead of before cooked when the plastic is white..

The best method by far is the oven or stove, while not the fastest or cleanest method it will give you less of a headach than nuking it. your colors will be much better and your plastic will be much clearer.

Delw

[GB GONE]

One other BIG tip, store your plastisol in a climate controlled environment if possible.

Jim

[TBaits]

Jim is also right, I have all my chemicals, salt, etc stored in a climate controlled area (my house).

[t-billy]

Ditto to Jon's method but I cook scent into my baits and do not add any after.

In addtion, be sure to use something metal to stir vs something wooden and if you cook a scent in, be sure it is oil based vs water based.

If you are getting a lot of bubbles and using salt, your salt probably has moisture in it.

Jim

Hi Jim. I've been considering cooking scent into my baits but haven't tried it yet. How much do you add per cup?

[pirkfan]

Ditto to Jon's method but I cook scent into my baits and do not add any after.

In addtion, be sure to use something metal to stir vs something wooden and if you cook a scent in, be sure it is oil based vs water based.

If you are getting a lot of bubbles and using salt, your salt probably has moisture in it.

Jim

I like to use glass stirring rods (kimax). That way you can just leave them in your pyrex when microwaving, without sparking the microwave. They don't get hot. That auction site has them in lots of different lengths...just score with a file and snap to the length you want and flame with a propane torch for a smooth round end.

[GB GONE]

Hi Jim. I've been considering cooking scent into my baits but haven't tried it yet. How much do you add per cup?

Depends on what scent I am adding actually. I am NOT a big garlic fan so maybe 2 drops per 8oz and you have something to cover the plastic scent. More than that and you are at a Chompers level to me and that gives me a headache and makes my boat STINK!

With shad or anise, maybe 4 drops per 8oz. Craw the same... I really like Upper Hands craw scents and have been using them since the companies beginning. For other scents, I order my scent when I order my molds or other supplies to save the shipping. Just my personal preferences though.

Just be sure to get oil based and you are OK. Something like BANG will cause you bubble and popping as it is water based.

Jim