topcoat?

[bassfan586]

Just getting into lure painting and i'm hopelessly hooked.  What do you giuys use for a topcoat?  Ive done a lot of reading and I was wondering how flexcoat high build would work.  I use it on rods and its is a smooth hard finish.  Would I have to put it on a wheel to dry so it doesn't get lumpy?  I have the flex coat but wanted some imput.  I guess I could always try it first but maybe someone has.  Thanks for the in
put.

Brad

[Cheetam]

There are quite a few custom tackle makers that use Flexcoat.  I've never used it, but if you have it around, give it a try.

[bassfan586]

I tried the link for dick nites site but appears that its no longer available.  Is it available locally?  How much is a can and how much would i need?  How long does it last?  I read your post using a screw to keep air out.  Great idea as I read that air in can starts the curing process and thats why I did want to mess with it.

[bassassasin88]

Mess with it!

[bassfan586]

Site was working today.  It seems like the nites is good stuff and easy to use once you get around the storage issues

[Cheetam]

I tried the link for dick nites site but appears that its no longer available.  Is it available locally?  How much is a can and how much would i need?  How long does it last?  I read your post using a screw to keep air out.  Great idea as I read that air in can starts the curing process and thats why I did want to mess with it.

It's not available locally, only through Dick Nite.  The link I have is:  http://www.dicknite.com/TU_Lander.htm  I just tried it and it's working for me.  Contact him and see if you can get the 2 oz sample (all you pay is for shipping).  I really like it, and have been using the same pint for 2 years without any issues.

[mikesmiph]

Same here. Jeff turned me on to it, and I love the Dick Nites. Make sure you use the TU access. Huge discount.

[thedude]

i've used flex coat (since i have a bunch of it for rod building). works pretty good, nice clear finish, levels easy

1. i would recommend getting lite build flex coat or thread master lite.
2. Use a syringe to measure exactly.
3. Mix slowly for AT LEAST 1 minute if not 2 or 3.

let it sit in a warm spot for a few minutes to level out and loose most the bubbles. apply with a soft disposable brush and when you're done, run a lighter 4-5" away from the bait all over to pop any bubbles. The best way to get it to level is to let it just hang somewhere for 20 min or so. use the brush to wick off any drips or sags from excess finish. you can repeat that process a few times if you put it on too thick. then put it on a dryer for 4-6hrs. Don't touch the finish for at least 24hrs.

[bassfan586]

In respose to the nites you brush it on do u have problems with drips?  Do I have to use a dryer?  Dude I thought that the flexcoat would work I just didn't know about the chance for sags.  Does the bait have to be pretty lvel to avoid that.  Messed up on of my first rods that way.  It was in the dryer level and it roatated "oblong" and sagged.  I usually let it turn over night. 

[Cheetam]

I brush mine on.  Two thin coats usually.  It is self-leveling, so you don't need to put it on a drying wheel.  If you put it on really thick, you will get runs.

[thedude]

just like any finish - you will get sags if you put it on too thick. goal should be to apply it as thin as possible while still covering everything up for an even coat. If you let the bait sit for about 15 minutes (not turning) the finish will sag on its own (on the bottom). just use a brush and remove all the excess where it sags and then rotate 180 degrees and let it sit another 15-30 minutes. once you don't get any more sagging, then put it on the dryer. 

right now i just apply mine very thin and hang the by the bill.

[bassfan586]

I appreciate all the feedback.  I already have flex coat.  Will give it a try and see how it goes...........