Thinking about trying to paint own crankbaits...no idea where to start

I posted this in the Lounge - but was given some good advise to post here. So this is what I posted in the Lounge. Thanks Guys.

I have seen a number of the posts here, and it seems interesting and fun. Given the long winters here, may be something I can do in the off months and enjoy the fruits of my labor over the summer months.

My question is, how do you get started? Other than an air compressor and a spot in the basement where I could set up shop, I have nothing else, and don't really know anything about it. I have seen posts about a small spray gun - seems like Harbour Freight may have that. What types of paints are used? Where do you buy the blanks from? How is your shop set up? Painting areas, drying areas, etc. What is the process? Do you put a undercoating on first, then color? Are there any techniques you use for lines, blending, etc? What about the eyes?

I have no idea once I find more about this if it is something I really want to get into or not. Just hoping those who are doing it, or have tried it, may be willing to share a little information about it.

Be warned...it's highly addictive. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif I would recomend that you start small. Get yourself an inexpensive airbrush, like one from Harbor Freight, or Hobby Lobby sometimes has real good buy's on airbrushes, and paints. Get a few basic colors, I usually start every paint job with an either white or black basecoat and go from there. I would also recomend getting yourself a good respirator, and you'll need some type of ventilation to get the fumes out of your basement, especially if you spray any laquers. The waterbased paints aren't nearly as bad. Then you'll have to decide what type of topcoat you want to use. Alot of guy's use devcon 2 ton epoxy. You'll need a drying wheel for that. You brush it on then put the lure on a drying wheel so it will level out while curing. Dick Nites is another popular topcoat that can be applied by spraying or dipping the lure. Some guy's use automotive clear, you'll just have to experiment to see what works best for you. Other than that, keep it simple to start with, practice, practice, practice, and don't get discouraged if they don't turn out so good to begin with. Have fun with it. That's what it's all about. I'll put some tackle making supplier's websites below for you to check out. Good luck! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif
http://www.jannsnetcraft.com
http://www.lurepartsonline.com
http://www.predatorbassbaits.com
http://www.bustinbassbaits.com

You can find a video on Tackle Underground that shows the basics of crankbait painting that will help you get started. It costs around $15.

Guys - great suggestions! I can see where this can be addictive http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif

I am going to try and read up as much as possible. I do think this is something I would like to get into.

Steve, a thank you would have been nice!

Bruce - I IM'd you a thank you. Did you not get it?

No Steve I did not get the IM. I apologize for assuming you did not try. I get grumpy from time to time. I should not have posted what I did. Good luck with your painting and I hope you and your's have a great Christmas and New Year! Again, I apologize for assuming. The acronym is true!

No worries Bruce. Merry Christmas to you and your family. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Santa1.gif