capecodsmallie Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 I seem to be getting "stress cracks" or something right above where the 2 colors meet. The colors are the same temp. Could it be caused from the second color pouring over the first color? I'm thinking it might be spreading the first color. Any suggestions? I'm using Lee pots. When you do the 2 colors do you pour both colors in the same direction? Also, do you like the plastisol to be thin like water or a little thicker? Thanks for the help. I've gotten a few nice pours but still not consistent enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodsac Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 The only time that ever happens to me is when my plastic isn't hot enough. They might be on the same setting, but if you're using more of one then the other, one won't be as hot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigZ Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 I was having that problem with the colors seperating a little when doing 2 color pours. I have the best luck with it pouring the second color as soon as possible over the initial pour. I've also noticed that RTV molds seem to make 2color baits better, but this is probably just because they don't cool as fast as aluminum molds. Hope this helps. Z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsworms Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 This is a really cool topic........ there has always been the argument whether or not the colors should run together. If you pour your second color almost immediately after the first, there will be no separation, but the colors will run together. Some guys like that; some don't. If you prefer to have a bait that looks like 2 halves, then you have to wait a few seconds to pour your second layer. Some guys will pour several (10 to 20) cavities of the bottom layer before pouring the top. That works, but you will probably be able to pull the colors apart once the bait cools. The only way to avoid this is you gotta be quick and pour the second color fast. Try working with only a couple cavities at a time until you get the hang of it. I have been pouring for years and I still never pour more than 4 cavities before laying the second color down. Personally, I like the way the bait looks when the colors run together, but again.....it all depends on your preference. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigZ Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 Personally, I like the color mixing without having a defined seperation. I don't think natural things have a defined border where the colors change, but more of a gradient. Take a trout, from it's back down to its side and belly, the color changes are smooth and undefined. I guess some fish have a defined contrast, like stripers, but most baitfish colorations just blend together seamlessly. It makes sense to me that a borderless blend would look better (more natural) to a predator. There is nothing worse than a worm that seperates right where your hook goes in and then the resultant flap catches every weed in the pond. Grrrrrr! I pour a 2 color reaper that I like a lot, but it took a lot of practice to get them so they would not split after being dragged thru the obstacle course at the bottom of the lake. . My rule of thumb for pouring 2 colors is this. Heat both colors at the same time, pour until you reach the end of the mold and then pour the other color immediately after all the cavities in the mold are filled. If you are pouring large baits (8"plus), do one bait at a time. You will have to hustle to keep the plastic warm, but the end result will look way better .it might be a good idea to heat the colors for about 30 sec each when they are starting to congeal. Tips: Make sure you keep stirring both plastics so they don't skin up on you. I use cheap bamboo chopsticks to stir with because they don't affect the plastic and I got a hundred for about 3 bucks in Chinatown. I even use the square edges to scrape the plastic from the spout. I think I have used 3 sticks in the last year...the plastic peels right off. ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nova Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 I find that if I have the first color a few degrees higher than the second pour I get a fairly good seal with very little cracking.( the first color will cool slightly waiting for the second). If you remember the grubs I sent you; I had the first temperature (smoke color) a little higher than I pour laminations because I wanted the effect that you see in the grubs. ( you can't really tell where one color starts or ends). As it was said earlier; it all depends on the effect you are trying to get. The danger with laminations is that they will disconnect from each other when a customer is using the bait. That usually gets them very excited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chirmy Posted March 19, 2004 Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 Take a pouring pan down to your local chopper shop. They can drop a weld better then the best. Have them weld you a devider piece of sheet metal to line up with your pouring spout. melt 2 colors at the same time and pour really really slow and you get a good 2 color bond. Use non bleeding colors. makes a sideways 2 color rather than a top bottom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capecodsmallie Posted March 19, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 Thanks guys. I'm going to keep at it. Chirmy, I like that idea. Nova, those grubs are great looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
