I use Krylon Fusion. But I know a lot of guys use Parker as well.
And there is always the UV paint debate. Of which I still haven't decided on.
All I know is: if I keep my deeks touched up, find the X, set my spread correct for the wind, & soft call sexy....I kill ducks.
That's all I want.

If you do a search, I have posted threads on painting decoys. Hint: "DIY Blue Bills"
Hunt'nFish

Pre-Season Preperations: http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=325450
DIY Blue Bills: http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=317447

 

I tried the parker uv paint. I am not convinced now. I read all the articles available and painted 4 dozen along with green heads and yellow bills. The only part i like on these decoys is the heads and bills. The parker paint comes out muddy white/gray. I went majority of the season trying this new style of painted decoys. They now sit out back as extras when i need the 8 dozen spread. I plan on just buying new pro grade ghg's. But that's just me. I spoke to guys in seattle at the sporting goods store downtown and they all love the uv paint. Maybe it depends on how "much" sun is out and brightness. I hunt in central washington where there is more sun and brighter days. Who knows

 

For mallard heads, I use Testors products. After a good scrub, rinse, and dry, I start by taping off the bill so it doesn't get sprayed. I use spray Chezoom Teal metallic first. After it has a good few thin coats, I switch to a forest green metallic and give a VERY LIGHT coat along the top and cheek patches. After that has dried and you're happy with the coverage, a few light coats of flat or matte spray paint knocks the shine off. Untape the bill and use Zinc Chromate and brush it on. It dries flat. Use gloss black for the tip of the bill and the eyes and then flat black for the nostril holes.

 

There is a wide range between black & whites and fully flocked/repainted drake wigeon or wood duck.

IMHO Anymore the major decision comes down to what is your time worth? I know from personal experiance painting/repainting 4-8 doz floater duck decoys can not only be expencive but very time consuming. I for one don't really "enjoy" it.

After debating it for years I think every plastic factory decoy I own diver/pudde duck will become a Blk/White version of itself as it needs to be repainted. There is no inexpensive way that I know of to try and make a duck decoy look like it has real feathers unless you are very good with an airbrush and know how to use flocking. Even then I still don't think a bird(s) looks at that decoy or reacts to those well painted decoys like they do real birds.

Forget all that.... Just buy parker decoy paint! :wink:

Cheers,

Adam