How to paint a crank bait ?

[Dongotto]

I have some 300 series bandits that are solid black and I would like to put some chart/hot pink paint on the face and tail. What is a good paint? How do you do it. I won't be selling them so just a good durable application will serve me well.

Thanks

[skeetbum]

I have a few I'm going to be experimenting with. Krylon makes a paint that is for plastic, and that's what I'm going to use if I can find the right colors. A can of clear will also be in the mix for a bit of protection. Some split ring pliers will make things easier also. I plan on sanding with 800 wet or dry sandpaper and having the bill taped beforehand. Haven't done it yet, these are just plans.

[brushnjigs]

If you are wanting just a one color with maybe a splatter back pattern you can do it with the Fusion spray bombs that skeetbum is referring to. For a durable finish over the paint you will need to use a light coat of Devcon 30 min. However if you are willing to spend some cash to have nicely painted baits you will need an air brush and alot of patients, as this takes time to master. From what I hear for a cheap air brush that does an acceptable job would be available from harbor freight. For a better brush the Paasche VL or better yet one of the Iwata models. These are available at Coast air brush or Dicks art supply.
First you need to lightly sand the bait and a green scotch brite pad works well for this. For maximum adhesion I use a white latex bonding primer for the base coat. Most of the bait painters use Createx paint available at some craft stores or art supply or online. Some use Auto Air brand paint. Then its up to your imagination of what you want the bait to look like.
For the final finish use Devcon 30 min (epoxy glue brushed on) not the 5 minute as this will yellow after time. You can thin Devon with denatured alcohol. For a better coating use EnviroTex Lite. If you would like some glitter mixed in the clear coat, Poly Flake glitter is very fine and ads a nice finishing touch to the bait. For the clear coats you will need a turner to rotate the baits to avoid runs and sags. Clear coats should be applied in one thin coat. You can see photos of these at bbc or tackle underground. If you have any other questions let me know and I will try to help.

[brushnjigs]

A vent less range hood works very well to capture any over spray. Just dont use the wife's
The turners can be made from the motors from an old micro wave or the motor off the grill and use alligator clips to hold the baits

[Tracker123]

X2 what brushnjigs says - split ring pliers, sand, mask, white base coat, Createx paints, clear epoxy finish. I also use the 3D eyes and a heat gun to speed things along (I don't like watching paint dry). Painting crankbaits are fun, good luck.