Looking For Some Basic Startup Help

[Mumpy]

Hey guys, I am wanting to begin learning how to custom paint my own crankbaits. I purchased an Airbrush and a Compressor and my first question is What type of paint do I use? I went to a Hobby shop yesterday and had my granddaughter with me so it was hard to keep track of her and look for the paint that I needed. I just want to know what type of paint should I buy so I can go purchase that and start doing some practicing. Thanks so much.

Also, if this a question that is posted or if there is a how to that I can read, please point me in that direction if you don’t mind. Thanks again guys

[Mumpy]

I should have googled before I posted this, sorry guys. I found that it was Createx. So, I'm on my way now to Hobby Lobby.

 

Thanks

[BobP]

Mumpy, most hobby crankbait builders use water based acrylic airbrush paint and cover it with a durable waterproof topcoat like epoxy, moisture cured urethane, etc  Createx is the largest supplier of airbrush paint you'll see in craft stores but there are alternative brands available through online art stores that carry airbrush supplies.  The alternative to water based acrylics is lacquer based airbrush paint, which requires more breathing protection.

[mark poulson]

For me, the key to successful painting is developing a system that works for you.

I only use water based paints (acrylics) because I don't do well with solvent fumes anymore.

Thinning my Createx and other paints with Auto Aire 4011 reducer, so it is the consistency of skim milk and shoots really well, is key for successful painting.  Multiple thin coats, heat set/dried with a hair dryer between coat is critical for me.  Thick coats never dry, and cause my top coats to wrinkle.

And having a tupperware of clean water next to my painting area, so I can backflush after every color, and not clog my brush.

Play around on a piece of white PVC pipe to get the hang of painting, and what different colors look like, because you can wipe off the paint when you're done.

Learn to incorporate backflushing and tip cleaning into your color change system, so you never really get a dirty brush.

And buy some Createx Air Brush Restorer (thank you Ben) so you can soak your air brush if it gets clogged, and rescue it.  A search for it here will show you how to use it.

Good luck!

[Mumpy]

Thank you guys for the replies, can't wait to get started. I want to start off just by repainting some old baits I have laying around. One in particular that my dad used to fish with religiously until he retired it because he was afraid he'd lose it and had some sentimental attachment to it. Now that he's 72 years old, I'd like to repaint it and give it back to him for his Birthday coming up new and improved.

[RayburnGuy]

No need to thank me Mark. I was just passing along something that someone else taught me here at TU.

 

As you start using your airbrush you will undoubtedly have more questions Mumpy. There are a lot of folks here at TU that will gladly try to help you when you run into problems and just remember that the search feature is your friend. There is a wealth of information stored there.

 

good luck,

 

Ben

[Mumpy]

I was watching a video and a guy that was painting the lure had a little stand with alligator clips attached to it so he could attach the Lure by clipping onto the points where the split rings would attach.

 

Question... Where do I get this item?  Is there a how-to on building a clamp like this?

 

Thanks again guys

[nedyarb]

Get the clamp at harbor freight its called helping hands

[Mumpy]

Perfect, Just ordered one, man, they are nicely priced too!  $3.99!

[O'l Robzilla]

Get the clamp at harbor freight its called helping hands

I have to agree I bought 2 of these little gems and I can do four baits at once. plus I made 2 of them my self. but they are great to use and awesome for stencil work!