Chloe Zhang
Painting soft plastic lures is a great way to customise your fishing experience. You can use a variety of colours and techniques to create unique designs that will make your lures stand out. One way to do this is by using spray paint, specifically VPI (SB Coat Solvent-Based) paint, which is a ready-to-use, pigmented coating designed for soft plastics. It can be applied through brushing, dotting, dipping, or airbrushing, and even customised with thinners and retarders for different weather conditions. With the right tools and creativity, you can elevate your fishing game and make your lures truly yours.
Characteristics and Values Table for Spray Painting Soft Plastic Lures
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint Type | SB Coat (Solvent-Based) or VPI |
| Paint Form | Ready-to-use |
| Paint Properties | Pigmented, non-bleeding, non-migrating |
| Application Methods | Brushing, dotting, dipping, airbrushing |
| Modifications | Can be thinned for versatility; retarder may be needed in warm weather |
| Customization | Ability to create own colors by mixing non-fluorescent soft plastic colors with Clear SB Coat; addition of glitters and pearls |
| Dotting Paint | Thicker and more concentrated, with a slower drying time |
| Dotting Paint Advantages | Allows for detailed work like lines, dots, and eyes; can be brushed or modified with thinner for airbrushing and dipping |
| Airbrushing Accessories | Paasche's Flow Pencil |
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What You'll Learn
Painting soft plastic jig bodies
Prepare the Jig Bodies:
Start by choosing the right type of soft plastic jig bodies. You can find these at fishing supply stores or online. Before painting, ensure the jig bodies are clean and dry. You may also want to consider creating a jig for spraying, which can be done using electrical conduit parts to hold and rotate the jig body during painting.
Choose the Right Paint:
Select a paint specifically designed for painting soft plastics, such as SB Coat Soft Plastic Paint or VPI. These paints are formulated to adhere to soft plastics and provide a durable finish. They come in various colors, including fluorescent and non-fluorescent options, and can be modified with thinner for different application methods.
Painting Techniques:
You can apply the paint in several ways, including brushing, dotting, dipping, or airbrushing. If using an airbrush, ensure you have the necessary equipment, such as a compressor and airbrush gun. Practice on a piece of cardboard or scrap plastic to get a feel for the spray pattern and paint flow before applying it to the jig bodies.
Apply the Paint:
When you're ready to paint, work in a well-ventilated area and use a steady hand to apply the paint evenly. If you're using multiple colors, mask off areas with tape to create clean lines and prevent paint from getting on unwanted areas. For detailed work, such as dots or lines, use a fine-tipped brush or airbrush accessory, like Paasche's Flow Pencil.
Drying and Curing:
Allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats. The drying time will vary depending on the paint and environmental conditions. In warmer weather, you may need to add a retarder to slow down the drying process. Once the final coat is dry, you can further customize your lures by adding glitters or pearls to the paint for a unique finish.
Maintenance:
Properly clean and maintain your lures after each use to ensure the paint job lasts. Rinse the lures with fresh water and gently remove any debris or residue. Store them in a cool, dry place, and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures, as this can affect the paint's durability.
With these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating custom-painted soft plastic jig lures that not only look great but also help you reel in that big catch!
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$16.35
Using SB Coat Soft Plastic Paint
SB Coat Soft Plastic Paint is a ready-to-use paint for decorating soft plastic lures. It is a pigmented coating that does not bleed or migrate like dyes. It can be applied in a variety of ways, including brushing, dotting, dipping, and airbrushing. When using SB Coat, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors and to wear a respirator and safety glasses for protection.
SB Coat is a versatile paint that can be thinned or thickened to suit different application methods. For example, adding a thinner will make it more suitable for airbrushing or dipping, while the addition of a retarder will thicken the paint and slow down the drying time, making it better for brushing. This versatility allows you to create a range of effects, from thin, delicate lines to bold, vibrant colours.
One unique feature of SB Coat is its compatibility with add-ins. Non-fluorescent soft plastic colours can be added to the clear SB Coat base to create custom colours. Additionally, glitters and pearls can be incorporated to achieve sparkling, iridescent effects. This customizability sets SB Coat apart, allowing you to create lures that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Another product, SB Coat Dotting Paint, is a thicker and more concentrated version of the regular SB Coat. It contains a higher percentage of retarder, resulting in a slower drying time. This slower drying time is advantageous as it allows for more intricate brushwork and the creation of details such as lines, dots, and eyes. SB Coat Dotting Paint can also be modified with thinner for airbrushing and dipping if a faster drying time is desired.
Overall, SB Coat Soft Plastic Paint is a versatile and user-friendly option for customising soft plastic lures. With its range of application methods, compatibility with additives, and ability to create unique colours and effects, it offers endless possibilities for lure customisation. By choosing SB Coat, anglers can create lures that not only perform well but also stand out from the rest.
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Airbrushing
For airbrushing soft plastic lures, you can use a standard Createx airbrush paint, which offers a wide range of colours in both semi-transparent and opaque finishes. You can also experiment with different effects, such as adding pearls to the paint to create depth and flash. If you are using VPI paint, which is designed for soft PVC lures, you may need to modify it with a retarder and thinner to control the drying time and achieve the desired consistency for airbrushing. SB Coat Soft Plastic Paint, which is similar to VPI, is also airbrush-ready and can be thinned for this purpose.
When working with paints and thinners, it is important to ensure you have adequate ventilation. Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area or use an exhaust fan to avoid inhaling paint fumes. It is also recommended to wear a NIOSH-approved respirator and safety glasses for added protection.
Once you have your paint prepared and your safety gear on, you can begin airbrushing your lures. Take your time and work in thin coats to achieve the desired finish. With the right preparation and technique, airbrushing can be a rewarding way to customise your soft plastic lures.
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Adding dots, lines and eyes
Adding dots, lines, and eyes to your soft plastic lures is a great way to make them more visually appealing and attractive. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve this:
Choosing the Right Paint
Select a paint specifically designed for soft plastics, such as SB Coat Soft Plastic Paint or VPI. These paints are pigmented coatings that won't bleed or migrate like dyes. They can be easily applied by brushing, dotting, dipping, or airbrushing. SB Coat, for instance, can be used straight out of the container and can be modified with thinner for airbrushing if needed.
Creating Dots and Lines
If you're aiming for precise dots and lines, consider using SB Coat Dotting Paint. This paint is thicker and more concentrated than regular SB Coat, and it dries more slowly, making it ideal for creating detailed patterns. It works exceptionally well with Paasche's Flow Pencil for achieving consistent dots, lines, and eyes. The slow-drying property of this paint also allows you to brush it on like traditional art paints if you prefer a more hands-on approach.
Adding Eyes
To add eyes to your soft plastic lures, you can opt for gluing or casting. For gluing, you can purchase ready-made glass taxidermy eyes in sizes ranging from 8mm to 10mm. These eyes can be glued onto your lures, ensuring they are securely attached. Alternatively, you can create your own plastic eyes by using consumer-grade silicone, such as Smooth On's OOMOO 30. Simply mix a small amount of silicone, fill the mold, and let it settle. Keep in mind that silicone usually needs at least 12 hours to cure completely.
Painting Tips
When painting soft plastic lures, consider the following:
- Use an airbrush for precise and even paint application, especially when creating intricate patterns or covering large areas.
- Experiment with different colours and effects by adding non-fluorescent soft plastic colours to clear SB Coat. You can also incorporate glitters and pearls for a unique touch.
- If you're using an airbrush, adjust the paint consistency by adding thinner to make it more versatile and suitable for various applications.
- Depending on the temperature, you may need to add a retarder to slow down the drying time and improve workability.
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Choosing the right colours
First and foremost, it's important to understand the purpose of the lure and the type of fish you are targeting. Different colours can attract different species of fish. For example, bright and vibrant colours like red, yellow, and orange can be effective for attracting attention in clear waters, while more natural and subdued colours like green, brown, and black may be better for murky or tinted waters. Research the specific type of fish you are trying to catch and choose colours that are known to attract that species.
Consider the underwater visibility and light conditions. The depth and clarity of the water will impact how well certain colours are visible to the fish. In general, darker colours tend to be more visible in deep or murky waters, while lighter colours stand out in shallow or clear waters. Take into account the natural light conditions as well – certain colours may be more visible at different times of the day or in different weather conditions.
Think about creating contrast and attracting attention. Using contrasting colours or patterns on your lure can help it stand out to the fish. For example, you could use a bright colour for the body of the lure and add dots, stripes, or other patterns in a complementary or contrasting colour. This technique can make your lure more visible and attractive to the fish, increasing your chances of a bite.
Another factor to consider is the colour of the jighead. As mentioned earlier, dyeing or painting the jighead can create a colour contrast that mimics the natural colour change of a jighead. This can be especially effective when using weedless lures. You can leave the jighead unpainted or paint it a different colour to create the desired effect.
Additionally, don't be afraid to experiment with different colours and techniques. You can try dip-dying, spray painting, or brush painting your lures to achieve different effects. Some anglers even use nail polish or markers to customise their lures. Remember that you can always re-paint or dye your lures if you're not happy with the results.
Lastly, keep in mind that the type of paint or dye you use may impact your colour choices. For example, VPI paint offers both transparent and opaque colours, and you can create your own colours by mixing clear VPI with non-fluorescent soft plastic colours. SB Coat, a solvent-based paint, also allows for custom colour creation and offers a thicker dotting paint for adding details like lines, dots, and eyes.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use SB Coat Soft Plastic Paint, which is a solvent-based paint that's ready to use and doesn't bleed or migrate like dyes. It can be brushed, dotted, dipped or applied with an airbrush.
Yes, you can create your own colours by adding non-fluorescent soft plastic colours to Clear SB Coat. You can also add glitter and pearls to create unique effects.
You can use SB Coat Dotting Paint, which is a thicker and more concentrated paint with a slower drying time, making it ideal for creating dots, lines and eyes. It can also be modified with thinner for airbrushing and dipping applications.
