Custom Lures

[lindy rig]

I'm looking to paint my own rapala shad raps. I like sizes #5 and #7. I am told that rapala does not make blanks. Any ideas where to buy in bulk?

But my main question is... Where should I go to find paint and application products? Would a tiny spray gun be good? Who makes them?

[PerchJerker]

Have you checked in the Rod Building and Lure Making Forum?

And I know there's lots of info on-line about lure painting.

I know Borch does (or did) some of his own painting, maybe he'll chime in.

I've played around with it, even going so far as to buy an air brush, but I've never stuck with it.

[Hookmaster]

Jann's Netcraft sells sealed balsa bodies for some of the more popular shaped crank baits. Go to there HSOforum and search for "crank bait bodies".

[lindy rig]

I have not. I scanned for a more "fitting" forum, but did not see that one. Thanks guys.

[solbes]

Predator Bass Baits and Bustin Bass Baits are two more good sites with blanks.

Sadly no, you will not be able to find Rapala blanks. The best option use to be, and maybe still is, to find the colors that Rapala is closing out. Sometimes you can get your Rapalas for $3 or 4 this way. Or repaint old ones. You shouldn't have to sand them all the way down, just use some really fine sand paper to scuff up the coating to allow for good paint adhesion.

Airbrush is the way to go. You can get a really good quality Iwata or Paasche for $70-100. You will need a regulated and dried air supply from a compressor. For paint you can go water based acrylics which are non-flammable and a little safter. You can get some really neat effects with oil based paint, but it requires more setup and allowances for safety. Createx airbrush colors is what I use and they seem plenty popular.

And then you will need a protective top coat. Lots of different options all with pro's and cons. One of the best but most time consuming top coats is Devcon 2ton 30 minute epoxy (two part). You mix it up, thin it with a little alcohol, and then brush on. Keep the lure turning to avoid the epoxy from slumping.

[Ed Carlson]

Jann's Netcraft sells lures in the basic blanks, and air brush equipment and paints. They carry Shads, minnow baits, rattle traps, bass baits, all types of body styles.

If you want to test your hand at lure design there is the best resource to start with. The prices are very fair. Request the catalog off line.

[Borch]

If you plan on repainting rapalas a light scuff, clean with alcohol and then paint a base coat with white Krylon fusion paint. The use the airbrush to lay out your color sceme with water based plaints. Do a clear coat with an epoxy like Devcon 2 ton 30 min cure which you will be to rotate at least 15 minutes or you will get drips. If you do a search in the rod/lure building forum you'll find several how to posts with a bit more detail.