Baits are cloudy and not shining

[gatightlines]

I did my first pour last week using LC plastic and a LC mold. The first couple of batches turned out cloudy. Meaning that they did not have a gloss texture to them. The flat part of the worm was glossy but not the feature part. Anyone know what I did wrong? They still caught fish but, I still want to know if I did something wrong or not.

[SRPLASTICS]

You did nothing wrong, for some reasons, some of LC molds are not that great a quality, They may tell you to warm them in an oven, but that really does not work, if they are brand new molds, I would send them back for a new batch. This is the primary reasin that I am having my existing molds redone in a new hard material, or I will just make new ones myself. If you pay for it, it should be what you expect. Do not settle for anything less.

[WallsOut]

I'm no expert, but I think the problem occurs when the molds are brand new with most rtv molds. Also it helps if you preheat the molds by pouring hot plastic (reused plastic or a messed up color) in the molds for a couple sets and then to use your good plastic after that. This should solve your problem. Also it seems like the so cal saltwater swimbaits are the worst. They have a broad body and especially need preheating. Preheating is not that critical with smaller plastic worms.

If your using a microwave just dedicate one cup to old plastic for this purpose.

Hope this helped

Eric

[LedHed]

gatightlines,

Had the same issues you had but I was getting pockmarks as well. Had to call LC and they recommended the heating up the molds in the same manner that WallsOut has described.

I agree with SRPLASTICS - you should be able to get good baits with the first pour.

SRPLASTICS,

Has the "the new mold material" happened yet? Hate to go back to your old post and muddle through the mush. Appreciate your help.

[Senkosam]

Unless you're using polished aluminum (Del's or Bob's), rv plastic dries out and a graininess develops from the salt and heat. For that reason I won't waste money on LC mold, (the other reason being that I like totally round lures).

The alternative is using resin or plaster. If you use the latter, use a good gloss coat such as Valspar or other wall or stone prep and if you want a super glossy surface, brush or spray Fish Formula or other oil into the cavity. Works every time! It not only adds gloss, but is a great worm-release agent especially good for fine, deep lure parts, protects the gloss coat and works for LC molds.

I still use LC for a slim "Senko", but would sell all others if I had the time and would buy Bob's and Del's if I had the money I'm spending building the 'glitter inventory'.

Sam

[gatightlines]

Thanks for the info everyone. I guess I will try a few of those tricks and see what turns out. I am starting to think that warming up the mold might help since the worms seemed to get glossy after I poured a few. It looks like I am going to have to break down and purchase a Del or Bob mold. I have looked at the Del molds and really like them but I have not yet looked at Bob's molds.