Sofia Martinez
Soft plastic baits can be cured by tossing them in a pan of water for 15 minutes and then letting them dry. This is the final step in making soft plastic baits, which involves cooking the plastic, adding colours, injecting the plastic, and de-molding. Plastisol, which is made of plasticizers and resins, is commonly used to make soft plastic baits. It is heated in a microwave or on a hot plate and then injected or poured into a mold. Safety goggles, long sleeves, and good ventilation are important when working with hot plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Heating source | 700-watt microwave, hot plate with a thin saucepan |
| Safety equipment | Safety goggles, toe-covering shoes, long sleeves, pants |
| Ventilation | Well-ventilated area |
| Mold | Aluminum milled mold, aluminum cast, stone mold |
| Durometer | Higher durometer for firmer plastisol, lower-end durometer for more action |
| Plastisol preparation | Shake the jug before pouring into Pyrex cup |
| Plastisol cooking | Microwave or hot plate |
| Plastisol temperature | Check with a probe or radiant thermometer |
| Plastisol color | Add white, black, green colorants |
| Plastisol glitter | Silver flake |
| Curing | Toss in a pan of water for 15 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a mold
When choosing a mold, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the type of mold you want to use: injection or open pour. Injection molding is faster and allows you to produce a higher volume of baits, but it may limit your creativity in terms of design and colour. On the other hand, open-pour molds offer more design flexibility and are more economical as they don't require an injector. If you opt for an open-pour mold, you can choose from various materials such as plaster, resin, silicone, or aluminum. Keep in mind that plaster is easier to work with but takes longer due to the sealing process, while resin is more challenging to use but results in a ready-to-use mold once cured.
Another factor to consider is the size and shape of the mold cavity design. This will influence the amount of plastic you need and the pouring process. If you're creating a multi-cavity mold, a trough on the top can be more convenient for pouring than individual holes. Additionally, the size and shape of the glitter you choose should complement the mold cavity design. Square and hexagon-shaped glitter typically have a subtle effect on the appearance of the bait, while whisker glitter can give soft plastics a unique look.
When selecting a mold, it's important to think about the desired softness or firmness of your bait. Different types of plastisol are available, ranging from soft to medium to hard. Softer plastic provides more action but is more prone to tearing, whereas medium plastic offers a balance between action and durability. You can also experiment with blends like soft/medium or medium/hard to find the ideal consistency for your needs.
Lastly, safety should be a priority when choosing a mold. Ensure that you have the necessary safety equipment, such as heat-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and proper ventilation when working with hot plastics and chemicals. It's also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the appropriate precautions during each step of the process.
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Heating the plastic
There are several ways to heat the plastic, including using a microwave, a hot plate with a thin saucepan, or a stove. A 700-watt microwave is recommended for heating plastisol, but a used one can be purchased for around $20. If using a hot plate or stove, a thin saucepan can be used to heat the plastic. It is important to ensure that the plastic is heated to the appropriate temperature before injecting or pouring it. A probe or radiant thermometer can be used to check the temperature, with the former being available at most grocery stores for around $12.
When heating the plastic, it is important to wear proper safety equipment, including safety goggles to protect your eyes and long sleeves and pants to prevent burns in case of an accident. It is also crucial to work in a well-ventilated area to ensure good airflow and clear the room of any fumes.
Once the plastic is heated to the appropriate temperature, it can be injected or poured into a mold. The type of mold used will depend on the desired finish of the bait. For a store-bought bait finish, an aluminum milled mold is recommended, while an aluminum cast or stone mold can be used for a dull finish. Stone molds require occasional oiling to prevent sticking.
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Adding colours and glitter
First, select the colours you want to use. You can either mix colours together or choose a pre-made base colour. Primary pigments such as red, blue, and yellow can be combined to create a wide range of colours. Transparent, opaque, or changeable colourants can also be used to create unique effects. If you're looking for a camo or swirled look, you may need additional equipment like an Angling Ai 'C' block.
Next, choose the type and size of glitter you want to use. Glitters come in various shapes, including square, hexagon, and whisker. The shape you choose will affect the appearance of your bait. Square and hexagon glitters will give a more subtle effect, while whisker glitter will make your bait look significantly different. Glitter also comes in different sizes, typically ranging from 0.08 to 0.60. Using a combination of different-sized glitters can add depth to your bait.
Now it's time to add the colours and glitter to your plastisol. It's important to start with a small amount of colourant and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade. Remember, you can always add more colour, but you can't take it away! Add your glitter in the same way, slowly building up the amount until you're happy with the result. Mix everything together slowly and thoroughly.
Finally, pour your coloured and glittery plastisol into your chosen mould. Make sure to wear heat-resistant gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from the hot plastic. Once the mould is filled, your bait will be ready to use in just a few minutes!
By following these steps, you can create unique and attractive soft plastic baits that will make your fishing trips even more exciting and successful. Experiment with different colours, glitter shapes and sizes, and even scents to find the perfect combination for you.
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Injecting the plastic
To inject the plastic, you will need a higher-quality N2 injector. You can also use a budget injector, which will cost you around $100. You will also need a Pyrex cup to cook and pour the plastic, which costs around $5.
Safety goggles are suggested to protect your eyes when injecting plastic. You should also ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area with good airflow to clear the room.
Before injecting the plastic, you must cook it. You can use a 700-watt microwave to heat the plastic. A new 700-watt microwave will cost around $50-$60, but you may be able to find a cheaper used one. Alternatively, you can use a hot plate with a thin saucepan. You will also need a probe or radiant thermometer to make sure that the plastic has reached the appropriate temperature to inject.
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Curing the bait
Before curing, you must first cook the plastic, add colours, and inject the plastic into a mould. When cooking the plastic, it is important to use a thermometer to ensure the plastisol reaches the appropriate temperature. A probe or radiant thermometer can be purchased for around $12 from a grocery store.
Safety precautions should also be taken when making soft plastic baits. It is recommended to wear safety goggles when injecting or pouring plastic to protect your eyes. Additionally, ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area to allow for good airflow. Wear long sleeves, pants, and toe-covering shoes to protect your skin in case of any accidents.
When selecting a mould, consider the desired finish of your bait. If you want a store-bought, shiny finish, choose an aluminium milled mould. For a dull finish, select an aluminium cast or stone mould. Stone moulds require occasional oiling to prevent sticking.
You can also add glitter to your baits to add depth and a unique look. Different sizes and shapes of glitter are available, with whisker glitter providing a distinct appearance to soft plastics.
By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can successfully cure your soft plastic baits and create effective and unique lures for your fishing endeavours.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a heat source, such as a 700-watt microwave, a hot plate with a thin saucepan, or a used microwave. You will also need a probe or radiant thermometer, safety goggles, and a well-ventilated area.
First, cook the plastic, add your colours, inject the plastic, and de-mold. Then, to cure the soft bait, toss it in a pan of water for 15 minutes. Pull the bait out and let it dry.
Durometer is how plastisol is measured. The higher the durometer, the firmer the plastisol will be.
