toddshirk44 Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 I painted some Spenner blades then Houston automotive clearcoat. The blades sat around for a couple weeks so I know they had enough time to dry. I put them in a glass water for 48 hours when I brought them out I could take my fingernail and chip the paint and clearcoat. Does anyone know what could of went wrong? Is there an automotive clear coat that you guys would recommend trying. Should I be using a different kind of paint this application? Thank you for any suggestions and help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted June 8, 2014 Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 (edited) Does the finish feel soft when it's fully cured, or only after a 48 hour soaking? Edited June 8, 2014 by mark poulson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smalljaw Posted June 8, 2014 Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 This very reason is why I don't paint blades anymore, there isn't much for the paint and/or clear to hold but it should be better than that. My guess is the blades you painted were lacquer coated, if you are going to paint blades you need to paint either plain brass or steel blades. If you want to paint a plated blade then you need to take the plating off by sanding with a dremel, if you want to paint a lacquer coated blade then you will need to soak the blade in acetone or mineral spirits to get the lacquer off and it will not allow paint or clear to bond and it will chip easy. Even if you get a good paint job the finish will still chip easily due to the thin blade just not being good at holding a finish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 I haven't used it, but didn't Dick Nite develop one of his clears for coating blades? I understand it penetrates through the paint and bonds to the metal. Maybe that would be an alternative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddshirk44 Posted June 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 Surface is hard after the clear cures. Soft only after the soak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 (edited) If it's hard after it cures, fish one a few times and see how it holds up. To me, that's the true test of whether it will hold up. I've never kept a bait of any kind underwater for 48 hours on purpose, so I don't think that's a very useful test. I'm pretty sure something would rust, or fail, if I were to do that. Edited June 9, 2014 by mark poulson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddshirk44 Posted June 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 I did troll with them back to back days with the same shipping issue. Thanks or everyone's insight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kdog Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 It sounds like an adhesion problem, Either base was dirty or too slick for the paint to adhere. I used to hand paint a lot of blades and know from experience that they need proper preparation. SS or brass blades are best for painting but usually have a clear coat that needs to be removed. Some uncoated, unpolished brass blades are available for this purpose. They just need a good cleaning to remove oil/wax from the stamping process. but a fine sanding will ensure adhesion. I powder coat blades and have no issue with chipping as follows Hot water wash Air dry Glass bead blast blow off alcohol rinse PC via fluid bed Cure I have air brushed some larger blades with the same prep followed by a self etching primer followed by acrylic paints and use Clear Lacquer to seal and protect. It takes a lot to chip it. However, I use GST international concrete sealer on jig heads both painted and powder coated jigs and spoons to seal eyes etc and find it to be durable and highly chip resistant. Added benefit is it is a very thin coating which is important with blades Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musky Glenn Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 Since the water softened the paint, I would guess that water based paint was used. Softening doesn't seem like an adhesion problem, like Bob said. Probably had an edge or inside of the hole that didn't get covered completely with the clear coat. Just my $.02 worth. Musky Glenn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
