Don Mang Posted January 6, 2021 Report Share Posted January 6, 2021 I'm new to air brushing. I'm going to be painting some reels (metal). Spinner blades, jig heads, I'd like to hear some recommendations on what clear coat to use. Thanks, Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Epp Posted January 21, 2021 Report Share Posted January 21, 2021 Hey Don, I don't have a ton of experience with most of what you listed, but I think some people use epoxy to clear coat jig heads, or clear nail polish. I use epoxy (Envirotex Lite) or Oil Modified Urethane to clear coat wooden or PVC lures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21xdc Posted January 21, 2021 Report Share Posted January 21, 2021 KBS Diamond Clear... Dip or brush... I'll never shoot it through my brush's. Dangerous and gets hard as a rock. Cant be cleaned out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted February 23, 2021 Report Share Posted February 23, 2021 Don, i agree with 21XDC about using a moisture cured urethane (MCU) topcoat but think I would opt for Dick Nite Fishermun’s Lurecoat instead of KBS. With Dick Nite, I’ve had the topcoat penetrate through the acrylic latex color coat and form a bond directly with the metal on spoons. It would be even more durable if applied over solvent based lacquer colors. 21XDC also brings up a point you should beware of regarding safety. You need to wear a mask rated for solvent protection if you shoot solvent based coatings. Aside from the very flammable mist that’s present, the chemicals in topcoats are often very poisonous. I wouldn’t dream of using anything other than MCU on a spinner blade or jig head. It’s the perfect topcoat for them: thin, tough, and non yellowing. Once upon a time I repainted a reel. It was a PITA to do and the new paint (auto aerosol colors) started chipping pretty quickly. Honestly, I think you’ll try it and probably decide as I did that the end product just isn’t worth the work and time required to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Mang Posted February 23, 2021 Author Report Share Posted February 23, 2021 Thanks guys for your input! I bought some cheap 2.5" crankbaits to practice on. For now I'm clear coating with Rust-oleum 2X ultra cover. Due to the cold weather. Warm weather I think I'll dip KBS. BobP,,, I restore Mitchell reels, and have painted a few. I use Dupli-color perfect match automotive spray paint. And clear coat coat with Max 2K glamour clear. It's a two part mixture in a can (outdoors a must). This is a very hard clear coat!! I'll try post a reel that was in very bad shape. I've been fishing it for 2 years in saltwater, and banging it on jetties and a wall. Still in good shape. Again thank you all for your help!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...