clear coat/epoxy for crankbaits? what is best?

[bigwurm]

I have read that guys use the Devcon 2 ton 30 minute epoxy for the outer coating after painting their crankbaits. How do you apply that epoxy to make it look even and not run? Do you brush it on? Please explain. I am in the process of gathering information on how to custom paint some baits and the outer coating seems to be the most difficult to gather information on. Please help.. These post are awesome. There are some great tutorials. Keep up the good work... Thanks

[luke1wcu]

There are many different way to go about doing this. With a 2 part epoxy, you will need to build a drying wheel to rotate the baits as the epoxy hardens. I like to use Envirotex Lite (etex) but D2T is pretty popular as well. I made one from a mirror ball motor that I found cheap on ebay. A lot of people use rotisserie racks to do this as well. go to http://www.tackleunderground.com and search that site. That is where I learned everything I know about this stuff.


Modified by luke1wcu at 8:40 PM 11/22/2010

[Astro-T]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by luke1wcu &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">There are many different way to go about doing this. With a 2 part epoxy, you will need to build a drying wheel to rotate the baits as the epoxy hardens. I like to use Envirotex Lite (etex) but D2T is pretty popular as well. I made one from a mirror ball motor that I found cheap on ebay. A lot of people use rotisserie racks to do this as well. go to http://www.tackleunderground.com and search that site. That is where I learned everything I know about this stuff.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Modified by luke1wcu at 8:40 PM 11/22/2010</td></tr></table>

+1. I also use Dick Nites at times

[Fishwhittler]

There are a boatload of different topcoats out there that work well; it's mainly a matter of which you prefer. Flex Coat Ultra V, Envirotex Lite, and U-40 LS Supreme are some that I've used with good results. Flex Coat Ultra V and Etex are the easiest to use and are both good topcoats, but my personal preference is for LS Supreme. It's trickier to use, but it's much more durable; an impact that will crack or chip Flex Coat or Etex barely scratches U-40. Actually, on one keychain I made with LS Supreme over Etex, I dropped it on cement and the Etex cracked, but the LS Supreme on top was still fine. I've also got a lure that literally smashed into a rip-rap boulder, but the LS Supreme topcoat only suffered a minor gouge on the shoulder. There are usage issues, but it's an extremely good topcoat when used properly.

Epoxies are brushed on. A drying wheel is practically mandatory. I got by without one for a long time, but you will save a lot of money in epoxy by building a drying wheel. I used a 9 RPM motor from Mudhole.com for my drying wheel.

I've never tried Devcon 2-Ton because I heard a lot about it turning yellow after a relatively short period of time (a couple months).

If you have any questions, I'll be happy to help you out.

Ben

[asipes]

D2T - Brush it on and rotate.

I haven't had any problems with it yellowing... I've heard this is an issue if you leave them out in the sun for prolonged periods of time.

[fmm1]

I would like to know more about the guys who are using automotive clear? What clear, where to buy?

[pizz]

before brushing on devcon or e-tex, youll need to somehow seal the paint pre clear. sometimes brushing over the paint will blend the colors. also it may cause the colors to run a little bit while that epoxy is setting up. you can heat set the paint all you want but this is caused by paint dust. you may not see it too much, but its more noticeable when clearing over white / white pearl

i only use a 2 part epoxy for swimbaits.

[luke1wcu]

pizz, you say seal the paint pre clear. by this, do mean (for example) createx clear?

[senkoman]

Dupont Nason 483-78/496-00 activator/clear. Works well for me but there are others to choose from for sure. This combo may not set up as hard as some.

Makes sure you have lots of ventilation, respirator, gloves...

I buy mine from local Dupont Paint supplier, Bradley Auto Supply, Concord, Stroup Supply Kannapolis. (same company 2 locations).

[pizz]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by luke1wcu &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">pizz, you say seal the paint pre clear. by this, do mean (for example) createx clear? </td></tr></table>

that will work. something light to seal the color in from the brushing on.

[tr20bruce]

I use the Nason. I spray it on and am very pleased with the results.