How To Get Started Airbrushing Crankbaits & Fishing Lures

Createx Airbrush Paints are a popular choice for painting fishing lures due to their versatility, durability, and wide range of colors

Createx Airbrush Paints are a popular choice for painting fishing lures due to their versatility, durability, and wide range of Products and colors

Preparation:

• Plastic or Metal Lures: You need to ensure the lure is clean, washing with liquid dish soap or wiping with a wax and grease remover. 
• Wooden lures: If you find you lure is smooth or polished, they will need to be sanded, typically 600grit is a good choice, for better paint adhesion. Blow of or using a tack clot tack off any sanding dust or debris
• Prime:   Autoborne Sealer is widely used for Plastic/Metal lures – Those that want to utilize the “flash” of a metal lure or use the Autoborne Clear Primer.

Thinning the Paint:

• Consistency is Key: Airbrush Colors need to be thinned for airbrushing. The ideal consistency is often described as milk like.
• Use Createx's own thinner/reducers is recommended for optimal performance and ease of use 4021 is an excellent choice. Avoid using water, it just washes out the paint and any durability and adhesion.

Airbrushing Techniques:

• Air Pressure: Start with a lower air pressure (around 18-20 psi) and adjust as needed. higher PSI Settings can cause overspray, while lower pressure may result in sputtering.
• Distance and Movement: Hold the airbrush a few inches away from the lure and use smooth, even strokes. Avoid staying in one spot for too long to prevent paint buildup and runs. Airbrush in light thin layers, this creates a more even and durable finish. building paints to the desired colors/finish.

Painting Process:

• Lures are typically base coated white which will help your colors pop.
• Details and Patterns: Use different colors and techniques (e.g., stencils, freehand) to add details, scales, and patterns. Look at different lace patterns or fabric that you can spray through, your only limited by your imagination.
• Clear Coat: After the paint has fully dried, it is recommended to inter coat prior the Autoborne transparent sealer is also a great inter coat or barrier coat, UVLS 4050 Gloss clear is also a great choice. Dipping the lures in KBS resin is a common practice.

Additional Tips:

• Practice: Practice trigger control and other painting techniques such as blends and gradients a good starting point is following along with the Airbrush Tutor – Although not specific to lure painting – you will learn trigger control, blending, gradients and texture technique which are all important techniques used on lures.
• Clean Your Airbrush: Clean your airbrush thoroughly after each use to prevent clogs and ensure optimal performance. The iwata you-tube channel has some great short videos on airbrush cleaning and Maintenance.
• Safety: Use appropriate PPE for the products you are working, avoid inhaling paint fumes and work in a well-ventilated area.

Popular Createx Products for Lures:

• Autoborne Sealers by Createx: Starting with a good foundation is key to a successful project.
• Createx Airbrush Colors: These are general-purpose airbrush paints that offer a wide range of colors including pearlescent, metallic and fluorescents. Typically sprayed through a .50 Needle/Nozzle Combination - Please refer to this link for application tips and reductions. 

• Createx Wicked Colors: Multi-Surface durable paint They also have more specialized paints with unique effects like pearlescent, metallic, and fluorescent. Application and recommended usages please click here 

By following these tips and practicing your technique, you can create professional-looking painted lures. 

Popular Airbrushes used for painting Fishing Lures

Iwata Eclipse CS - Airbrush Only
Iwata Eclipse CS Value Set: 
Harder & Steenbeck Ultra 2024
Harder & Steenbeck Evolution 2024 - 2n1