danthefisherman Posted May 29, 2022 Report Share Posted May 29, 2022 (edited) Hi TU, As my hard baits are getting more and more refined, it’s almost a shame to glue on cheap factory eyes at the very end of a build. I’ve been searching for realistic eyes that will compliment my baits better, but it’s difficult to find exactly what I’m looking for…so in true builder fashion: why not try to make them myself? I’ve done a bit of research and think that I’m going to try printing on waterslide decal paper, affixing to vinyl backing, and putting epoxy on top after punching the eyes out. I was wondering if anyone has tried this and run into issues (such as delamination of layers) that I should be aware of. Any other tips or tricks or better methods for making these would be greatly appreciated. Also if you have examples of your work I’d love to see it. Thanks guys! Dan Edited May 29, 2022 by danthefisherman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flaswimbaiter Posted May 29, 2022 Report Share Posted May 29, 2022 I tried making eyes with 1/2 hour and slow curing epoxy and still get bubbles. I just got some UV resin and did a test and it still seems cloudy. BUT, I may being doing something wrong. I even tried using a torch to pop the bubbles……and needless the say, that did not end well. I order clear plastic doll eyes from aliexpress. I cut off the stem and sand them level then paint the back the color I want. I am sure you could also use some type of reflective decals the same way I use paint. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barrybait Posted May 30, 2022 Report Share Posted May 30, 2022 Have you googled "realistic 3D fish eyes" and also search ebay for same? There are some very good looking eyes out there in many different sizes. There are also videos out there for how to make your own by photo editing real fish eyes that you should check out if you haven't already. I have made some when I needed a specific color and size and they turned out ok but I also had the bubbles problem. Barry 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastman03 Posted June 16, 2022 Report Share Posted June 16, 2022 Go to the tutorial section of this form. There is some great information about how to make lure eyes. I forget who walked me through it. But I was able to use a version of photo editing software and make my own holographic water slide decals with eyes, then drop epoxy on the eyes to get that 3d shape. I'll see if I can find the links. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastman03 Posted June 16, 2022 Report Share Posted June 16, 2022 It was @fishordie79 that helped me with my own lure eyes. It just adds to the customization! and fun. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
