bootsmorris Posted January 18, 2012 Report Share Posted January 18, 2012 Hi all. I have been creeping on this site for a few weeks trying to learn all I can about this before I give it a try. My main question is about coloring. Whats the difference in the powder and liquid colorants? Also any suggestions for molds for a newbie? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsworms Posted January 18, 2012 Report Share Posted January 18, 2012 Welcome. If you do a search on liquid colors, colorants, powder, and hi-lite powders, I'm sure you'll find a lot of your answers there. As for the molds, there are millions of them out there. It's always best to start with those molds YOU like to fish, and go from there. If you have a certain mold in mind, post away and I'm sure you get lots of help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonteSS Posted January 18, 2012 Report Share Posted January 18, 2012 I have been pouring about 6 months now. After seeing my progression, I can make some recomendations. As said, get the mold of the bait you use most. I highly reccomend going with an injector as there are so many more molds available. Many baits with claws, thin tails, legs, etc just cant be hand poured. They are not that expensive and a good investment. A medium plastic will work well for almost all baits. A bottle of softener is needed for stick baits. You will use liquid coloring. Powders are mainly for special effects like pearl and hilites. I really like Norpro silicone cups I get on ebay. You dont want to fill them more than halfway so get a 1 cup and a 2 cup. A cheap low powered microwave will work well in your case. I reccomend an infared thermmometer untill you get used to the microwave and temps. I got a cheap chinese one on Ebay that works as well as my good one. Heat in 30 second or less intervals and stir in between I stir with a butter knife. I got a full set of measureing spoons from a dollar store that work great. Write down your recipes so you can recreate them. I'm sure I missed a bunch. Late here. GL....Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FuzzyGrub Posted January 18, 2012 Report Share Posted January 18, 2012 (edited) As Bill said, an injector is the easest, and most consistant way to make proffesional looking baits for DIY. An injector and one two piece alum mold will go $100. There are lower cost ways to get into the hobby, such as one piece pour molds. Lurecraft has the widest selection. If you do get hooked, you will probably be back to getting the injector though. For your first few pours, I'd stay with basic liquid colors. Edited January 18, 2012 by FuzzyGrub Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsworms Posted January 18, 2012 Report Share Posted January 18, 2012 Interesting. I'm curious.......are most of you guys injecting now?? Would like to know what the ratio is: hand-pour vs injection Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FuzzyGrub Posted January 18, 2012 Report Share Posted January 18, 2012 Interesting. I'm curious.......are most of you guys injecting now?? Would like to know what the ratio is: hand-pour vs injection I hand pour, hand inject, and dip tubes. Percentages vary by what I'm out or low on, what I am doing more expiermenting with, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonteSS Posted January 18, 2012 Report Share Posted January 18, 2012 (edited) For open pour molds hand pouring is prefered with much better control. I have very poor eyesite and had a hard time with it. For making lures for yourself it is a good way to get in cheap and see how you like it. You can also take baits you have and make your own mold fairly easily and inexpensive. When I started, I only planned on making the bait I used alot. 5" sticks. I got a 2 piece aluminum mold from Lurecraft. It works well but hard to get consistantly good baits with no bubbles or flaws. Salt must be addedto sticks which made it even more difficult. .....Bill Edited January 18, 2012 by MonteSS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
