bassbum85 Posted June 12, 2012 Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 I want to use lexan for tails but am unsure how everyone keeps their paint on the tails. I am using acrylics, do I need to topcoat the tail as well after its painted? thanks for the help guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted June 12, 2012 Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 Don't know all the alternatives but I've found that a topcoat that penetrates through the acrylic paint to adhere to the substrate (Lexan in this instance) is something that works pretty well. One topcoat that does a good job of this is Dick Nite S81 moisture cured urethane. But I'd also check into what dyes might work for this, as it might be a quick and lasting solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted June 12, 2012 Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 I sand the lexan to simulate the direction of the rays in the tail, and then add color with sharpies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitro98 Posted June 13, 2012 Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 Using an airbrush and any of the water based airbrush paints. Very light coats heat set between coats then clear. Just wipe the lexan down with denatured alcohol prior to paint to clean it. Very easy you can sand if you want but not necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassbum85 Posted June 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 thanks guys i will have to try this out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonny.Barile Posted June 16, 2012 Report Share Posted June 16, 2012 (edited) I painted some lexan lips with red acrylic and topcoated with poly. It came right off in big peices the first time I got it wet. I took that same lure to the machine shop where I work and grit blasted the lip with glass beads. It came out like a smoked glass. I then recoated with the same stuff and it is on for life. I agree with Mark that roughing the surface up is the key. (Atleast with what I was using) Edited June 16, 2012 by Sonny.Barile Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pikeone Posted June 20, 2012 Report Share Posted June 20, 2012 I use a transparency marker ( there are different colors ) or colors that are used to paint on the glass (even here there are different colors ) pikeone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishsticks Posted June 21, 2012 Report Share Posted June 21, 2012 I paint all my lexan fins same time that I paint the lure. I figured while I got all my paint out and airbrush hooked up that is the best time. I carve on my fins and clean the dust off before paint. I paint my bait on my lure turner and set a small space heater next to hit while it turns until it is dry. When clearing my baits I clear everything with etex, since that is what I have right now. I think if you want your paint to stay on the tail then slap some clear or epoxy on it too. A nice clear coat always brings out some nice colors in the paint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitro98 Posted June 21, 2012 Report Share Posted June 21, 2012 if you do light coats and heat set you practically dont even have to clear but the proper way is to clear after paint. again the key... just like any airbrush painting is multiple light coats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon Posted June 21, 2012 Report Share Posted June 21, 2012 (edited) Color some epoxy resin the color you want the fins. Rough the Lexan with fine sandpaper. Mix the epoxy with hardener. Apply to the fin, wait for it to set slightly, use a toothpick or something similar to work the epoxy to simulate fin bones/rays. Attach to lure and finish whole thing, fins as well with another fine coat of epoxy. I have used this on my swimbaits and the fins look very realistic. http://www.tackleunderground.com/community/gallery/image/10460-some-7-inch-swimbaits-i-have-made/ Edited June 21, 2012 by gordon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitro98 Posted June 21, 2012 Report Share Posted June 21, 2012 with all that epoxy you better be checking your balance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
