When To Add Fins

[sammy01007]

At what point should I attach fiber fins to a swimbait? At this point I am attaching the rear fin before painting and sealing. I want to include a dorsal fin too. I was thinking of adding this after I paint, so it doesn't get in the way, but this may leave a less than perfect finish on the back of the bait. What does everyone else do?

[jrhopkins]

attaching fiber fins is the last thing I do to baits. paint, clearcoat and then attach fins. I learned early on that trying to keep epoxy or whatever clearcoat you are using off the fins was a PITA! cut slots for the fins to go in and epoxy them in as a last step.

[sammy01007]

Thanks Jon,

 

This is what I am currently trying. My brother, who works for an autobody shop, offered to try to clear all my baits for me. I sent him one assembled with fins as a quick practice one since I dont have anything else right now. My concern now is the clear filling in the slots for the fins (not sure how thick the auto-clear will be). I cut the slot with a hack saw blade. I find the thickness of the blade provides sufficient wiggle room for the fins, without leaving an obviouse gap after the fin are glued in. Time will tell.

[jrhopkins]

 to avoid filling in the slots when I am spraying on a clearcoat. I fold small pieces of wax paper and insert them into the slots and pull them out when i'm finished spraying. you can also use a small flat tip screwdriver to clean out the slot after it has set up.

[sammy01007]

I will tell him about the wax paper, hopefully that will work for him. 

 

Thanks again!

[Falcon009]

Is there a trick to adding the fin with the dowel pins that come with a blank swim bait after airbrushing it??