Manufacturer Clear Coat?

[CollinW22]

There are a ton of threads about KBS and Devcon 2T but nothing  about what the main stream manufacturers use (ie: Strike King, Norman, Rapala). Does anyone know or is that a trade secret? I saw a video about Strike Kings process on Youtube and it looked like they spray their clear on. 

[BBK]

Most use a clear lacquer, that's why the paint chips off after a few casts. 

[Skeeter]

Bingo !! Many also use UV cured clears. These are much better. However they are cured by UV lights.  It's expensive if you do it right. One of the most overlooked parts is the UV bulbs themselves. Their intensity degredates over time of use. Even though they come on, their original intensity is not there.  The quality of the bulbs that you use is important. Unless you are doing a high volume of baits at a time it may not be worth the investment.

Skeeter

[ravenlures]

I have tried many clear coats over time but for me  I have always come back to etex for musky baits and KBS for dipping the bass baits.

So that's all I use now, tired of chasing clear coats  which there is no magic one. The high producers are set with what works for them

because of consistency  for there product and that's what I do now.  No more experimenting YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wayne

[Brick Steel]

Interesting topic. I agree with BBK on lack of durability. I didn’t know what lure manufacturers use, but one of the reasons that I started finishing my own baits is that I got tired of having the finish wear off a name brand bait after a few fish. I have been painting baits for a year and have been pleased with the results. In fact, I caught over forty bass on a single top water bait, before it was broken off.  The finish was just starting to get marred. 

[woodieb8]

depending on what the lures are made of for clearcoats..on doing thousands it depends cost factors..there is no magic bullet in the industry.