Best way to attach 3D molded eyes to soft plastics?

[jcool3]

What type of glue works?   Is it necessary to dip in plastisol to cover eyes?

Edited March 30, 2017 by jcool3

[smalljaw]

I'm far from an expert with plastics but I can help here.  First thing is the clear plastic dip to seal the eyes, while it isn't necessary you'll find your eyes will fall off rather quickly so I think you don't add eyes unless you use dip the bait in clear to seal them. As for glue, it depends on whether you are going to seal the eyes and what brand of eyes you are using. Cheap eyes from ebay or other places will require glue to hold them in place otherwise they will come off when dipping in the clear plastic. WTP eyes which are a little more expensive have a good adhesive back and will hold well enough that you won't need glue, unless you want to use them without dipping the bait in clear plastic. If you really don't want to seal the eyes then a glue like Pro's soft bait glue will hold any eye on for a bit but even then they might not stay on too long.

[uttexas]

Loctite gel to adhere, then dip in clear.

If using regular plastisol, consider adding a little plastic hardener to the clear

[Flippinstick Mike]

1 https://www.ispikeit.com/product/330/fix-a-lure-glue

This is also  a great option. I use it with self adhesive eyes too. 

https://www.ispikeit.com/product/677/clearasol-4650

This is also a great option for dipping with but it is very soft so I do not use it for all applications. I dip top water frogs in plastisol and some swim baits in clearasol.

[jcool3]

I am using the cheaper ebay eyes.   Any tricks to having the eyes curve to follow the shape of the plastic?

Eyes stick out on the edges.

Edited March 30, 2017 by jcool3

[ScreamlineGuy]

Depending on the thickness of the body, you can get a steel cylindrical tool the same diameter of the eyes, like a wire forming rod for instance, hit it with a heat gun and stamp your lure lightly to flatten out a cavity in the plastic for the 3d eyes to lay flat.

[Bogbaits]

Quick note there are no 3d lure eyes either made in America or in china that will stay on a bait without some kind of help be it glue or clear dipping period!!Don't believe it,though most the American made eyes are far superior for sure its just a small matter of time before they fall off also,I have used super glue,the cheap stuff and it worked fine,we dip ours in clear plastic

[fshng2]

On 3/30/2017 at 0:52 PM, jcool3 said:

I am using the cheaper ebay eyes.   Any tricks to having the eyes curve to follow the shape of the plastic?

Eyes stick out on the edges.

 

I  tie flies and have the same concern.

What I do is press them against the handle of an artist paint brush to shape them.

Hope this helps.

[Fenely]

On 3/31/2017 at 9:43 PM, Bogbaits said:

Quick note there are no 3d lure eyes either made in America or in china that will stay on a bait without some kind of help be it glue or clear dipping period!!Don't believe it,though most the American made eyes are far superior for sure its just a small matter of time before they fall off also,I have used super glue,the cheap stuff and it worked fine,we dip ours in clear plastic

What kinda plastic are talking about , I’m new to this and don’t know much but learning 

[Fenely]

On 3/31/2017 at 9:43 PM, Bogbaits said:

Quick note there are no 3d lure eyes either made in America or in china that will stay on a bait without some kind of help be it glue or clear dipping period!!Don't believe it,though most the American made eyes are far superior for sure its just a small matter of time before they fall off also,I have used super glue,the cheap stuff and it worked fine,we dip ours in clear plastic

What kinda plastic are talking about , I’m new to this and don’t know much but learning 

[Cami]

I found that Loctite Gel to  adhere and a mix of 50% PVC Glue + 50% MEK brushed over the eyes' area is good and quick method to encase 3D eyes, I'm using this French system and it works.

Bye

 

Cami