Ethan Clarke
Soft plastic baits are commonly coloured using liquid plastic, also known as Plastisol. This substance is heated to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, at which point it transforms from a thin, white liquid to a soft, clear plastic. Colour can be added at any stage of the heating process, but it is easiest to achieve the desired shade once the plastic has turned clear. For those who wish to create multicoloured baits, a dual injector can be used to inject two colours into a mould simultaneously. Alternatively, soft plastic lures can be dipped in colour dye or painted with nail polish to achieve the desired effect.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary material used to make soft plastic lures | Liquid plastic, also known as Plastisol |
| State of liquid plastic out of the bottle | Thin, white liquid |
| State of liquid plastic when heated | Soft, clear plastic |
| Temperature to heat liquid plastic | 350 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Add-ons to change the stiffness of the final product | Plastic softener or hardener |
| Time to add liquid color | Any point during the heating process, but easier to determine the shade when the plastic is clear |
| Tool to make two-color baits | Dual injector |
| Dye used | Spike-It Dip-N-Glow |
| Other coloring agents | Finger nail polish |
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What You'll Learn
Using a dual injector to pour two-color soft plastic baits
Using a dual injector is an effective way to create two-colour soft plastic baits. This method is considered easy and efficient, allowing two colours to be injected into a mould simultaneously. The dual injector is used with a blending block, which enables the creation of laminated and mixed-colour soft baits.
To begin, it is important to have the necessary equipment, including the dual injector kit, which typically includes two injectors. The Do-It Dual Injector Kit is one such example, designed to work with Do-It injectors. This kit includes parts to convert standard injectors into a dual injector system. It is important to note that this process involves working with hot plastic, so safety precautions are essential. Heat-resistant gloves should always be worn to protect against burns, and adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent the inhalation of fumes.
Once you have the required equipment, you can start by heating the liquid plastic, also known as Plastisol, to approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the plastic will transform from a thin, white liquid into a clear substance with a syrupy consistency. This stage provides an ideal opportunity to add colour to the plastic. You can choose two colours of your preference and inject them into the mould simultaneously using the dual injector.
The dual injector method offers the advantage of customisation and experimentation. You can tweak the colours to your liking and even create unique colour combinations that you know will be effective for fishing in your local lake. This process may involve multiple attempts to get the colours just right, but the dual injector simplifies the task by allowing you to work with two colours in one go.
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Dipping soft plastic lures in colour dye
Select the Appropriate Dye: Choose a dye that is specifically designed for dipping soft plastic lures, such as the popular Spike-It Dip-N-Glow or Dip-N-Glo. These dyes are known for their vibrant colours and long-lasting scents, which can attract various species of fish.
Prepare the Work Area: Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling plastic fumes. Have a plastic box with foam inside, such as the D2Fishing Products Dyesafe Containment System, to prevent any messes and for easy clean-up. Place your chosen dye bottle securely in the foam slot.
Dip the Lure: Holding the soft plastic lure, carefully dip it into the dye bottle. Focus on the areas you want to colour, such as the tail or head of the lure. If you wish to dye the entire lure, ensure that all parts are evenly coated. Remove the lure from the dye and lay it on the foam to dry.
Repeat as Needed: Depending on the desired colour intensity, you may need to repeat the dipping process. Allow the lure to dry for about 10 seconds between dips. It typically takes 3-4 dips to achieve a full colour change. You can also experiment with different colours by dipping the lure into multiple dye bottles.
Customise Further: To increase the visibility of the lure, consider adding dots on either side to mimic the eyes of a baitfish. You can use markers or paint from the same brand as the dye, as they often offer a range of complementary colours. This adds extra contrast and attracts the attention of the target fish.
It is important to note that not all dyes work with every type of soft plastic lure material. Be sure to test the dye on a small area first to ensure compatibility and achieve the desired results. Additionally, always follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer when working with plastic lures and dyes.
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Painting jigheads
Firstly, it is essential to prepare the surface of the jighead before painting. This can be done by dipping the jighead in acetone and wiping it clean, as suggested by a contributor on a Reddit forum. Additionally, scuffing the surface with emery paper before painting can enhance the durability of the paint, as mentioned by another forum user.
When it comes to choosing the right paint, there are several options available. Some anglers recommend using vinyl paint, which can be brushed or sprayed onto the jighead. This method helps to prevent chipping. However, another user suggests using powder paint, which is baked or heated to cure the paint and create a durable finish. While this method is fast and easy, it requires additional steps such as using a separate oven for curing and dealing with strong smells.
For those seeking a quick and affordable solution, nail polish has been suggested as a viable option. It offers a wide range of colours, durability, and cost-effectiveness, with a dollar being enough to paint about 50 jigs. However, it is important to note that nail polish might not be as durable as other options, and the process of purchasing it may be embarrassing for some.
Another option mentioned is Pro-Tec powder paint, which does not require baking. This paint provides a range of great colours, but the unbaked version tends to chip easily. On the other hand, curing Pro-Tec powder paint will result in highly durable jigheads that can withstand being scraped along rocks without significant paint loss.
Lastly, it is worth noting that some anglers choose to paint eyes on their jigheads, regardless of the colour, as it can be satisfying and potentially enhance the effectiveness of the lure.
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Heating liquid plastic to 350°F
To begin the process of heating liquid plastic to 350°F, it is important to place the plastic in a heat-proof container. This container should be suitable for use in an oven, as the oven is a common tool for heating the plastic. Preheat the oven to around 300°F to 350°F. It is important not to exceed 350°F, as higher temperatures can cause the plastic to smoke and burn quickly. The process may take some time, but with patience, the plastic will gradually melt and turn into a clear, syrupy liquid.
During the heating process, liquid colour can be added to the plastic at any time. However, it is easier to determine if the desired shade has been achieved once the plastic becomes clear. This clarity at 350°F provides a visual cue for consistent colouring. It is worth noting that unused or excess plastic can be remelted and reused, but the plastic may discolour after repeated or excessive heating. Therefore, it is important to use only the amount of plastic needed for each batch to maintain consistent colouring.
Safety precautions are crucial when working with liquid plastic and high temperatures. Always work in a well-ventilated area to minimise the risk of inhaling hazardous fumes released during the heating process. Wear protective equipment, such as gloves and a respirator, to safeguard yourself from both the heat and any harmful emissions. Additionally, ensure that the plastic is placed in a suitable container to prevent spillage, as melted plastic can be challenging to remove from oven surfaces.
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Using nail polish to touch up hard baits
Anglers have been known to use nail polish to customise and repair their lures and hooks. Nail polish can be used to touch up scratches on lures, repair chipped paint, and even restore old lures to their original glory. It can also be used to create unique designs and colours that may increase the effectiveness of lures.
Nail polish can be used to touch up hard baits in a variety of ways. One way is to use it as a clear coat to protect the bait and increase its lifespan. This can be done by simply painting a layer of clear nail polish over the original paint job. This will also allow the true colours of the bait to pop. Another way to use nail polish to touch up hard baits is to create new colour combinations by painting over the original colour of the bait. This can be done with a variety of nail polish colours to create unique and effective lures.
Additionally, nail polish can be used to repair chipped or scratched lures. By simply applying a small amount of nail polish to the affected area, the lure can be restored to its original condition. Nail polish can also be used to create a glossy or matte finish on lures, which can make them more attractive to fish. It's important to note that the nail polish should be completely dry before using the lure, to avoid it bleeding off in the water.
Furthermore, nail polish can be used to touch up jig heads, spinnerbait blades, and silver hooks. This can be done by simply painting the desired area with the chosen colour of nail polish. It's a quick, easy, and cheap way to customise and repair fishing equipment. Anglers can also use nail polish to create their own designs on hooks, adding a personal touch to their fishing gear.
Overall, nail polish is a versatile and useful tool for anglers, allowing them to customise, repair, and protect their lures and hooks. It offers a simple and cost-effective solution for anyone looking to improve their fishing experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Liquid plastic, also known as Plastisol.
Liquid plastic is a thin, white liquid out of the bottle.
When heated to approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit, liquid plastic changes to a soft, clear plastic.
You can colour soft plastic baits by dipping them in colour dye. You can also use a dual injector to inject two colours of soft plastic into your mould at the same time.
It usually takes about 3-4 dips of the lure into the dye to cause a full-colour change.
