repainting a lure

[allstate48]

Thanks in advance. I bought a couple of lures of e-bay, and want to repaint them.I use water base paint. Can I use this, or, do I have to use enamel? Can I just use steel wool, and rough it up, or do I have to start completely over? Thanks Doug

[Skeeter]

If you leave the original clearcoat on the lure then I would suggest lacquer paint. You can just use a fine grit sandpaper and make the surface smooth. If the clearcoat is off then you can use water based paint.

Skeeter

[KcDano]

If the finish you want to repaint is in good condition, all that is needed is to scuff the finish with a steelwool, sandpaper or a fine scotch brite pad. If you are repainting a plastic lure with molded details the scotch brite will cut the finish and provide a tooth for the paint to adhere too, without removing material at the rate sandpaper will, thus not destroying any fine details. #000 steelwool will perform as well as a nylon scotch brite, except you won't get as much mileage out of steel wool and it can became messy when used with water. If it is primed wood sandpaper is the way to go.

I primarily use lacquer or enamel for basecoat and colors, lacquer will burn into most finishes and provide superior adhesion. You can take enamel paint and cut it with lacquer thinner and apply, by thinning with lacquer thinner you will reduce the drying time and soften the old finish which will give your new paint a better grip.

You will lose some of the gloss retention of enamel when reducing it with lacquer, however, if you clearcoat, it makes no difference. Lacquer will give you better blends as well. In my opinion, lacquer is the best product for base and color, the topcoat or clearcoat is another thing.