Sofia Martinez
Painting and repainting duck decoys is a great way to save money and reuse old decoys, and it can be an enjoyable way to spend time with friends and family. Before repainting, it is important to clean the decoys thoroughly, as exposure to sun, rubbing, bumping, and dried mud can leave them looking dull and faded. Hunters should avoid using soap, as it can contain ultraviolet brighteners that make the decoys look unnatural to ducks. Once cleaned, decoys can be repainted with acrylic paint, which holds up well to the elements, or with exterior house paint. It is important to prepare the surface of the decoy before painting to ensure good adhesion, and this can be done by wiping with acetone or lacquer thinner, or by sanding with sandpaper.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to repaint | Decoys can become dull, full of water, covered in mud, or missing paint |
| Cleaning | Wash with acetone, lacquer thinner, or alcohol |
| Wash with soap and water | |
| Clean with Armor All | |
| Wash in mesh decoy bags with hot soapy water under high pressure | |
| Hang to air-dry | |
| Priming | Use a Fusion spray |
| Painting | Use exterior house paint |
| Use acrylic paint | |
| Use satin-finish latex paint | |
| Use a topcoat of Rust-Oleum American Accents Ultra Cover | |
| Use a clear flat coat if the paint is shiny | |
| Use a small assortment of brushes, 1 inch wide or less | |
| Use brushes with exploded-tip nylon bristles |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning your decoys
Cleaning the Decoys:
Start by addressing any leaks in your decoys. Locate the source of the leak by applying slight pressure to the back of the decoy while turning it from side to side. Once the leak is found, use a power drill with a 1/8-inch drill bit to enlarge the hole. This step is crucial to ensure effective repairs.
Next, drill a hole in the tail of each leaky decoy and hang them tail-down to drain out any remaining water. This step ensures that your decoys are completely dry before proceeding with the repainting process.
After draining, seal the holes with epoxy sealant or a product like Shoe Goo. This will prevent further water ingress and protect the integrity of your decoys.
Now, it's time to thoroughly clean the decoys. Use a combination of water and a mild cleaning agent. While some sources recommend against using soap due to the presence of ultraviolet brighteners that can make the decoys look unnatural to ducks, others suggest using a mild soap solution. Alternatively, you can use acetone or lacquer thinner for this step, ensuring that all colourful areas are thoroughly wiped down.
Once the decoys are clean, it's important to allow them to dry completely. Hang the decoys in a well-ventilated area or bag them in mesh decoy bags to air-dry before proceeding to the next step.
Sanding and Priming:
Before repainting, it's essential to prepare the surface of the decoys for optimal paint adhesion. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the entire surface, creating a rough texture that will help the new paint adhere better. Ensure that you work in the direction of the original texture, maintaining the intended look of the decoy.
After sanding, wipe down the decoys with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residual dust. Allow them to dry completely again.
Now, it's time to apply a primer. Select a suitable primer designed for use on plastic surfaces, such as a Fusion spray primer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application, as this will ensure a durable finish.
Final Preparations:
Before breaking out the paintbrushes, ensure that your work area is properly ventilated and protected. Lay down drop cloths or newspapers to catch any paint drips, and have all your supplies readily available to make the process more efficient.
Now, you're ready to begin the repainting process. Refer to other resources for specific painting techniques and colour choices, as this will vary depending on the type of duck you're replicating.
Remember, taking the time to clean and prepare your decoys properly will result in a more professional finish and increase the longevity of your handiwork.
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Fixing leaks
Locate the Leak(s):
Start by locating the leak(s) while the decoy still has water in it. Squeeze the decoy and rotate it, looking for streams, drips, or bubbles of water forced out under pressure from the leak holes. Mark each hole that needs repair.
Drill Out the Leak Holes:
Using a power drill with a 1/8-inch drill bit, enlarge each leak hole by drilling directly on top of the leak. This step may require assistance and supervision. Enlarging the holes makes it easier to fill them and apply patching material.
Drain the Water:
After drilling all the identified leak holes, drill an additional hole in the tip of the decoy's tail. This will allow any remaining water to drain out.
Apply Sealant or Patching Material:
Use an appropriate sealant or patching compound to fill the enlarged holes. You can use epoxy putty, such as Sonic Weld, to fill large holes or cracks. For smaller holes, you can use Lexel, a silicone-based patching material, or Shoe Goo. Smooth the sealant with moistened fingertips to create a broad patch and let it harden.
Address Injection-Molding Hole Leaks:
If you cannot find any specific leak holes, the issue might be around the injection-molding hole, usually located beneath the decoy's tail. Apply Lexel around this area to seal any slow leaks.
Alternative Methods:
There are alternative methods to repair cracks and holes, such as using a soldering iron, hot glue gun, or polypropylene rope. However, these methods may not be suitable for all types of damage and require more caution to avoid further damage or injury.
Once all the leaks are repaired and the sealant has dried, you can proceed with the repainting process, starting with a coat of primer and following the previously mentioned painting instructions.
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Using the right paint
When it comes to repainting plastic duck decoys, using the right paint is essential. While some may opt for artist acrylics, others suggest exterior house paint, which can be purchased inexpensively at hardware stores. Sample jars of exterior paint are often available for a few dollars and can provide enough coverage for multiple decoys. Before painting, be sure to stir or mix the paint well. If the paint appears shiny after drying, a clear flat coat can be applied over it.
Another important consideration is the adhesion of the paint to the plastic surface. To achieve good adhesion, the plastic surface should be properly prepared. One effective method is to wipe the surface with acetone, which can reach into all the nooks and crannies of the decoy. The amount of acetone used and the duration of contact with the surface will determine the level of etching on the plastic, providing a good base for the paint to adhere to.
Additionally, a base coat can be applied to enhance adhesion. A product such as Rust-Oleum American Accents Ultra Cover, which is specifically designed to bond with plastics, can be used as a base coat. After applying the base coat, you can proceed with your chosen paint colour.
For those seeking a specific type of paint, satin finish latex paint is recommended. This type of paint provides the ideal sheen for decoys, and both black and white colours are commonly used to achieve a bright, realistic look. When painting, it is best to use brushes with exploded-tip nylon bristles, as artist brushes may be too soft for the rough surface of the decoys.
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$19.28
Painting techniques
Painting plastic duck decoys is a great way to save money and reuse old decoys. Before painting, ensure that your decoy is clean and dry. You can clean your decoy by washing it with water—although some sources advise against using soap, as it may contain ultraviolet brighteners that can make the decoy look unnatural to ducks. Alternatively, you can use acetone or alcohol to clean the decoy, followed by a wash with soap and water.
Once your decoy is clean and dry, you can begin painting. Some sources suggest using a base coat to help the paint adhere to the plastic surface. One product that can be used for this purpose is Rust-Oleum American Accents Ultra Cover, which bonds to plastics. After applying the base coat, you can then paint your decoy with acrylic paint. However, it is important to ensure that the paint will adhere well to the plastic surface. To do this, you can use sandpaper to prep the surface, or you can wipe the decoy with acetone to create a "tooth" for the paint to bond to.
When choosing paint, exterior house paint in a flat finish is a good option, as it will not be too shiny. Stir or mix the paint well before painting, and apply it to your decoy using a brush. If you are painting a mallard hen, use a small brush to lengthen and widen the two white wing bars on each side of the body. You can also add white paint to the upper rear tail feathers using a dry brushing technique, where you load a small amount of paint on the brush and make light passes over the area to create streaks.
For a mallard drake, paint the top of the head and down the back of the neck with satin black paint. Dry brush the edges to feather the black into the green along the upper sides of the head. Paint the rump and tail feathers with satin black paint and allow it to dry. Once dry, use white satin paint to define the neckband, wing bars, crescents behind the legs, and upper rear tail feathers.
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Drying and finishing
Drying:
After washing or cleaning the decoys, it's important to let them air dry completely. Hang the decoys in a well-ventilated area to ensure all moisture evaporates. This step is essential to prevent paint adhesion issues and ensure a smooth painting surface.
Finishing:
- Primer Application: Before painting, consider applying a primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces, such as a fusion spray primer. This step will enhance paint adhesion and help the new paint bond better with the plastic surface.
- Paint Selection: Choose a suitable paint type that will adhere well to plastic. Acrylic paint is a popular choice, but some sources suggest using exterior house paint for better adhesion. Sample jars of exterior paint are inexpensive and available at hardware stores. Stir or mix the paint thoroughly before use.
- Painting Technique: Use appropriate paintbrushes for the task. For detailed work, opt for small, tapered artist brushes. For larger areas, select brushes that are about one inch wide. When painting, separate the decoys by sex, as the painting process may differ for hens and drakes.
- Touch-ups: For mallard hen decoys, use white paint to lengthen and widen the wing bars. For drakes, paint the top of the head and the back of the neck with black paint, dry brushing the edges to feather the black into the green. Set the decoys aside to let the paint dry.
- Final Details: Once the black paint is dry, use white paint to define specific features, such as the neckband, wing bars, crescents behind the legs, and upper rear tail feathers. These details add brightness and contrast to the decoys.
- Clear Coat (Optional): If the paint turns out shiny and you prefer a matte finish, apply a clear flat coat over the painted surface. This step is optional and depends on your desired aesthetic.
- Drying Time: Allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats and after completing the final coat. Refer to the paint manufacturer's instructions for recommended drying times.
- Sealing: Consider sealing the paint job with a multi-surface sealer to protect the new paint and enhance its durability.
Remember, the drying and finishing process is just as important as the painting itself. Taking your time and following these steps will ensure that your repainted plastic duck decoys look their best and withstand the elements.
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Frequently asked questions
Duck decoys can take on a dull, unnatural look after a few seasons of hard use. Exposure to the sun robs their luster, and rubbing and bumping against other decoys and ice can cause paint to chip off. Repainting them will make them look bright and new again.
First, wash the decoys thoroughly to remove dirt and grime. You can do this at the local car wash by putting the decoys in mesh bags and spraying through the mesh with hot soapy water under high pressure. After a few minutes of washing, dump the decoys out, rebag them, and wash again to spray from a different angle.
You can use acrylic paint, but the key is getting good adhesion to the plastic surface. Before painting, wipe the decoy with acetone or alcohol, then wash it down with soap and water, and seal it with a multi-surface sealer. You can also use exterior house paint.
Brushes with exploded-tip nylon bristles are best. Artists' brushes are usually too soft to work with the rough finish on decoys.
Separate the decoys according to sex, and work on the hens in one session and the drakes in another session. To touch up a mallard hen, use a small brush to lengthen and widen the two white wing bars on each side of the body. Paint these wing bars so they are approximately twice as wide as their original paint job.
