capt mike Posted October 6, 2011 Report Share Posted October 6, 2011 I'm trying to figure out how to get scale texture on baits. My 2 ideas are as follows: 1- wrap lure tight in mesh and spray numerous coats of primer to build up, remove mesh, let dry, sand lightly. 2-wrap lure in mesh and brush with light molding paste to build up, dry, sand lightly. Anyone have any insight into this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayburnGuy Posted October 6, 2011 Report Share Posted October 6, 2011 One way is to wrap the lure tightly in mesh and then apply foil over the mesh. Someone posted a thread about laying your mesh onto a sheet of foil and then running the mesh/foil layer through a pasta machine thus embossing it. Another thread talked about doing pretty much the same thing although without the pasta machine. Just lay your mesh down on a hard, smooth surface and then put your foil over that rolling it with a hard, round cylinder to achieve the embossed look. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capt mike Posted October 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 6, 2011 I did that recently Ben. The scales come out fine in the foil. When I placed the foil on the bait, the scales got smashed back down due to the pressing and smoothing process of application. The scales are still visible in the foil. But they are no longer raised with the texture I want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodenfeather Posted October 6, 2011 Report Share Posted October 6, 2011 The scales come out fine in the foil. When I placed the foil on the bait, the scales got smashed back down due to the pressing and smoothing process of application. The scales are still visible in the foil. But they are no longer raised with the texture I want. I have had the same experience. The only way I have been able to get a decent scaling effect was to do what Ben said and glue the mesh to the bait before foiling. Another way was to apply the foil first, then wrap in mesh and push really hard with a dowel and roll the mesh pattern into the foil. The latter works good with balsa because its so soft. Good luck and hopefully someone will chime in with the secret to applying pre-embossed foil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayburnGuy Posted October 6, 2011 Report Share Posted October 6, 2011 (edited) I did that recently Ben. The scales come out fine in the foil. When I placed the foil on the bait, the scales got smashed back down due to the pressing and smoothing process of application. The scales are still visible in the foil. But they are no longer raised with the texture I want. The only ones I've done like that I have left the scale material under the foil. You'll need to take something like a pencil eraser and press in between all the scales to make sure the foil sticks to the lure. If you come up with a good way I'd sure like to hear it. The picture below is of a bait that the foil was applied over the scale mesh. good luck, Ben Edited October 6, 2011 by RayburnGuy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-Mac Posted October 7, 2011 Report Share Posted October 7, 2011 The only ones I've done like that I have left the scale material under the foil. You'll need to take something like a pencil eraser and press in between all the scales to make sure the foil sticks to the lure. If you come up with a good way I'd sure like to hear it. The picture below is of a bait that the foil was applied over the scale mesh. good luck, Ben dang, i wasn't expecting that process to look that good... nice job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillbilly1 Posted October 7, 2011 Report Share Posted October 7, 2011 I made a small scale press tool out of a used shop brush handle just spread it apart and fold the ears back and tape the upper end and press one at a time [/img] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonny.Barile Posted October 7, 2011 Report Share Posted October 7, 2011 Someone posted a video a couple of weeks ag that showed a japanese craftsman embossing foil tape. I searched and found the post for you...... http://www.tackleunderground.com/community/topic/22999-just-want-to-share-an-awesome-video/ This video shows his whole process start to finish. Sonny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunnr Posted October 7, 2011 Report Share Posted October 7, 2011 I glue the mesh to the bait quite a bit. I use fabric from walmart and elmers all-purpose spray adhesive. This is one of the latest ones I've done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitro98 Posted October 7, 2011 Report Share Posted October 7, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikePaintsBaits Posted October 8, 2011 Report Share Posted October 8, 2011 Ok , you all know I don't have mad skills , but thought I'd give this a try ..... I just cut the foil to size , to fit the bait length, I then cut some mesh same size , peeled the backing off the foil & stuck the mesh to the foil. I then laid my bait on the foil & drew the outline with a sharpie. Cut my shape out & glued it to the bait , haven't done anything else yet. I used my thumb to press down on the foil......it worked for me...lol Mike P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capt mike Posted October 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 What else do you have to add? I get the feeling you have something to share..or hide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitro98 Posted October 18, 2011 Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 you would laugh at how i figured it out. i mean honestly i tried for months to get it then one day i was in the garage and on the shelf was a 20 yr old cricket cage with a mesh that was just right.. so i cut out the mesh then I....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitro98 Posted October 18, 2011 Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 I told you earlier mike you can either burn them on or cook them on. I want to tell you so bad but whats the fun in that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capt mike Posted October 19, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 (edited) I think I know what you did. Thats hilarious and smart at the same time. I want to see how my idea comes out first before i try to figure out yours. I have a really nice raised scale pattern on my latest bait. I painted some thick acrylic paste through mesh onto the surface of the bait . I burnished some foil tape over it and it shows through really nice. My plan is to cast a mold and pick up the scale details. Now if I could just get this bait to swim right, i'll finish it and post the final product. This is a video of one I finished. Edited October 19, 2011 by capt mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitro98 Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 Spoken like a true baitmaker. Very commendable. Yeah I saw your video on the other site. Looks like a great distressed shad/herring bait. You prototype was PVC right? You are really gonna have fun when you try to get it to work with resin but you will get it im sure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nova Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 The only ones I've done like that I have left the scale material under the foil. You'll need to take something like a pencil eraser and press in between all the scales to make sure the foil sticks to the lure. If you come up with a good way I'd sure like to hear it. The picture below is of a bait that the foil was applied over the scale mesh. good luck, Ben I haven't made hardbaits in years but my thought on this would to make it as simple and easy as possible. I would try one of those kitchen vacuum sealers. That should work. You may have to play with the thickness of the plastic bag. www.novalures.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capt mike Posted October 19, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 Oh boy. That don't sound good. The first one was PVC and this latest bait is cypress. An S-waver is hard to get to swim right. The resin baits that I have been casting are 50/50 resin and microballons. Do you recommend a different mix? The PVC that I am using feels very close to the consistency of the 50/50 mix. I actually made a putty mold of my herring. Boy was that a waste of money. The molds looked like a blob and left air pockets in the casting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitro98 Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 All i can tell you is your going to have to play with the mix. Ive never made a waver style bait so im not sure where your ballast is or how you plan on putting it in. I dont use any lead/weights to ballast my baits, its all in the mix. So i may be no help there. You will go through some resin at first but I think you will figure it out. PM me if you need some help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capt mike Posted October 19, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 Thanks, i'll do that. I like the sound of not using ballast weights. I'll get around to that sooner or later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Maxwell Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 2 quick questions ????? What about the shedding vortices etc.???? Do the raised scales change them for the better, or not??? Do the fish really care??? Oh, Sorry, thats 3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 For reaction baits that are fished fast, no. For slow moving baits that are feeding baits, yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitro98 Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 I have no issues slow or fast, sinking or floating Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capt mike Posted November 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 4, 2011 I finished my mold and made the first casting. The scale details came out great. Now I can burnish foil tape over the body and the scale relief shows through. Or I can just paint over it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitro98 Posted November 4, 2011 Report Share Posted November 4, 2011 Good job man. Told you that you would figure it out...just a matter of time. Now your going to think of ways to tweek..it is a never ending evolution Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
