View Full Version : Jigs and Powder Paint
JohnB
12-07-2002, 03:02 PM
Sure could use some advice on using powder paint for jigs. Here's the problems:
1. About half of the jigs end up with paint over the hook eye even though I swear I checked them before final hardening.
2. While hardening them at 375 degrees, it seems that the paint wants to run and form a glob at the bottom. At lower temps the paint doesnt seem to want to setup hard.
This is really frustrating :hoboy: :hoboy: because after the hardening step, you cant change anything.
Any help would be appreciated. thx in advance
[ 12-07-2002, 03:03 PM: Message edited by: JohnB ]
What kind of paint are you using? I use Pro-Tec powder paint by Component Systems. I just heat the jig, and then swish it in the powder. It seems to stay on just fine.
JohnB
12-07-2002, 06:40 PM
Im using Pro-Tec too. Do you do anything to the lead to prepare it for the paint? :whazzup:
KillerDave
12-07-2002, 06:50 PM
I'm lurking on this one...
While I've heard powder paint is very durable, my favorite commercially made jigs are either dipped (Fisher Jigs) or spray painted (BeauMac) and figured there must be a reason for this.
Jigman
12-07-2002, 08:58 PM
Both your problems are from having too much paint on the jighead. After you heat up the head and apply the powder paint tap the jig a couple times on the edge of the paint container to knock off the excess before you bake it in the oven. This should solve your problem.
First Bite
12-07-2002, 10:59 PM
Why paint them at all? Jim Bradbury wrote years ago in his book that the paint will eventually chip off and he only painted his jigs for the fisherman. The steelhead don't care what the color of the jig head is. It's the feathers that attracts them.
Mark
pirk fan
12-08-2002, 05:24 AM
I use a hot air paint stripper to preheat the jighead, and also to "cure" the powder paint. About a count of 10 to preheat, and then reheat in the hot air until the paint is smooth and allow to cool. Clear the eye while letting paint cool. Seems to be plenty tough. I've never bothered with the final 375 cure in the oven.
FishCatcher
12-08-2002, 11:34 AM
Before I place my jigs in the oven I chip all the paint off the eye. When I forget I use a bait threading need. Heat the tip until red hot and use it to open jig eye.
I had the problem with the paint dripping when I started using powder paint. I reduced the time in the oven to 10-15 minutes and have not had the problem since.
FishCatcher
12-08-2002, 11:38 AM
Before I place my jigs in the oven I chip all the paint off the eye. When I forget I use a bait threading need. Heat the tip until red hot and use it to open jig eye.
I had the problem with the paint dripping when I started using powder paint. I reduced the time in the oven to 10-15 minutes and have not had the problem since.
I clean my jigheads with alchohol to get any oil and dirt off.
I heat mine in a propane torch, but don't let it get too hot, or the lead will melt. Dip and swish, and then pull it out. If the lead is hot enough the paint will be smooth and not require the extra cure time in the oven.
As for painted heads, they make a difference for Walleye and occasionally Bass. Not sure about Steelies.
fishing is life
12-08-2002, 09:35 PM
Mark (first cast), i have started painting your jig heads especially if they dont have the beads. i have had better success with the jigs with the two orange beads (maybe because i use them more). this could be overkill but i like to have every advantage out there. so i thought if i painted the head it would be like an extra bead attracter. also do you have any preference on beaded or not beaded?
fishing is life
12-08-2002, 09:37 PM
also Mark, i will be sending an order in this week to you via email.
321mx-r
12-09-2002, 07:35 AM
High temp masking tapes are available. We have large powder coating shop and mashing the eyes off with tape or a small cap would fix your problem. Try Ken Humke Co. in NW Portland. They handle alot of masking material.
Osprey
12-09-2002, 11:17 AM
We just use a lighter to heat the Jighead,tap off the extra powder,after bakeing only about 1 in 20 needs the eye cleaned.
A plated head over a painted head......Get real. :sleep:
Remember the plated ones will turn black at 5 feet or so depending on water clarity.
So I guess we could just paint all our heads black graemlins/icon_argue.gif
then they would as productive as plated ones graemlins/1zhelp.gif
I have found that a painted head will out fish the old "chrome dome".(not a shot @ Giz).....Os
Snapset
12-10-2002, 03:14 PM
I finally found a good way to paint jig heads. Get an oven rack that fits your oven. You can fit at least a hundred jig heads on one rack, hanging with the heads down. Get some White epoxy spray paint and some of the color you want in a gloss finish (Always put a base coat of white down, no matter what color you want to end up with.) Spray the jig heads from all directions, then bake the jigheads for 15 minutes at about 200 degrees . Repeat these steps twice if you are not satisfied with the coverage. Then let them cool a bit, and spray with your finish color. If your paint is chipping and you don't like it, you could add a clear coat, but it will chip also, so you might just as well add more of your finish color coats. Spray while the jig heads are still fairly warm. The paint will set almost immediately, but bake again.
Ventilate the house, and tell your wife you were trying to clean the oven. I leave the door of the oven ajar, just to keep the vapors from accumulating.