mark poulson Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 Butch Brown's side swimmers, by Depps I think, have a removable clear outer layer of silicone that gives the baits a soft, more natural feel and also makes them almost silent in the water. It is clear, so the underlying paint schemes are not hidden. I know some custom painters who peel the skin off, do their magic, and then slip it back on. I'm jealous!!!! Does anyone know of a clear RVT that can be either brushed on or dipped to achieve that soft, clear outer skin? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-Mac Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 It's a stumper for sure. I've been thinking about this one for awhile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted October 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 I'm pretty sure they use an injection molding process to make the Deps lure skins. I was just hoping.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-Mac Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 I suppose there may be a soft epoxy out there. Perhaps brush it on and turn the lure an you normally would. Maybe put a layer of Petroleum Jelly on the surface of the lure first so that it can be removed. Of course, maybe just some rtv, like you mentioned, or even brushing on clear bathroom caulk might do the trick too. I think without an injection molding method, we are restricted to brush on and turn epoxy methods. However, I would love to be proven wrong with an easier method. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted October 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 I suppose there may be a soft epoxy out there. Perhaps brush it on and turn the lure an you normally would. Maybe put a layer of Petroleum Jelly on the surface of the lure first so that it can be removed. Of course, maybe just some rtv, like you mentioned, or even brushing on clear bathroom caulk might do the trick too. I think without an injection molding method, we are restricted to brush on and turn epoxy methods. However, I would love to be proven wrong with an easier method. I'd love for you to be proven wrong, too, but I think you're right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonoman Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 ...sounds like someone needs to call a polymer company... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted October 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 ...sounds like someone needs to call a polymer company... Sonoman, That's probably a smart idea, but I'm just a hobby builder. I wouldn't waste a company representative's time with my question, since I'm not in a position to make it worth their while in terms of ordering product. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Dragon Skin from Smooth On might be the ticket. They have a lot of products but it has been years since I really looked at them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlowFISH Posted October 29, 2013 Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 Any reason you couldn't use Plastisol for soft baits? Dip it a few times to get the thickness you want... if you need the durability maybe use a "Hard" blend? Just a thought and you might already have the supplies. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonoman Posted October 29, 2013 Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 Sonoman, That's probably a smart idea, but I'm just a hobby builder. I wouldn't waste a company representative's time with my question, since I'm not in a position to make it worth their while in terms of ordering product. I think you would find that they would be very helpful regardless of hobby status or not, the idea has to start somewhere and getting product out is key, there is a lure that kind of peaked my interest that has that plastic/rubber or whatever it is on it...I think its a Paul Brown saltwater lure, mirrolure acquired it recently...so I may check on that myself, when I do I will let you know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted October 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 I think you would find that they would be very helpful regardless of hobby status or not, the idea has to start somewhere and getting product out is key, there is a lure that kind of peaked my interest that has that plastic/rubber or whatever it is on it...I think its a Paul Brown saltwater lure, mirrolure acquired it recently...so I may check on that myself, when I do I will let you know Thanks. I'll watch for your post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted October 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 Dragon Skin from Smooth On might be the ticket. They have a lot of products but it has been years since I really looked at them. That looks like it might be just the thing. Thanks. Any reason you couldn't use Plastisol for soft baits? Dip it a few times to get the thickness you want... if you need the durability maybe use a "Hard" blend? Just a thought and you might already have the supplies. J. I never thought about adding enough hardner to make plastisol that tough. Hmm...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlowFISH Posted October 29, 2013 Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 That looks like it might be just the thing. Thanks. I never thought about adding enough hardner to make plastisol that tough. Hmm...... I sense an interesting test coming up!!! LOL!!! J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathan Posted October 29, 2013 Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 What about clear Plastic Dip?.. It also comes in a spray on... It's definatley tough... I 'be used it on jig heads and sprayed it on some cranks...Nathan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted October 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 What about clear Plastic Dip?.. It also comes in a spray on... It's definatley tough... I 'be used it on jig heads and sprayed it on some cranks...Nathan That looks like the ticket, just as long as it doesn't come with the hyper dude in the videos! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted October 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 I just ordered a spray can of the clear. I'll let you guys know how it works out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathan Posted October 30, 2013 Report Share Posted October 30, 2013 Mark, It will give you a flat,tuf,rubber feeling top coat.I'm using on a large leech type hard bait I'm getting ready to release ...and it is killer on jig heads.You just have to get use to a flat finish instead of glossy....Nathan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted October 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 30, 2013 Mark, It will give you a flat,tuf,rubber feeling top coat.I'm using on a large leech type hard bait I'm getting ready to release ...and it is killer on jig heads.You just have to get use to a flat finish instead of glossy....Nathan I'm okay with a flat finish as long as it's pretty transparent, so the paint scheme shows through. I'm hoping that, once it's in the water, the finish will be more glossy, due to the water. Or, at least, more transparent. It's probably going to be a function of how thickly I apply the rubber. I plan to play around with it on a test bait first, just to get a feel for how it handles, drying time, and how thick it is applied when sprayed. If a thin coating is durable enough, that is all I'm looking for, just something to soften the feel and deaden the sound in the water. I'm guessing it would make a semi-silent jig head, and maybe one that doesn't snag as easily, like pulling a fat Ika through the rocks. My order shipped today, so I'll have tracking info. soon. I can't wait! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
