Topic: Question on powder coating jig heads

[BeetleSpin92]

Hi folks:

     This Spring I have gotten into tying my own bucktail jigs and powder coating the heads.  I have made fluid beds and am enjoying some success however, the heads I coated in pink color seemed to have orange peeled quite significantly.  I got good shiny coverage with white, green, and yellow, but the pink ones really dimpled with severe orange peel.  Could anyone lend me some advice as to what rookie mistake I made?  I am using an electric heat gun and dipping them in fluid beds using Pro-Tec brand powder coat.  Thanks in advance to any and all who may offer some advice.

R

[Curt - NC]

I personally haven't used a fluid bed, so I can't address your specific question.

But, since other colors came out OK, your problem is likely with some kind of defect or other inconsistency with the pink paint.

I would suggest contacting the manufacturer and asking them for assistance/feedback. They will be the ones most likely to be able to help 

[metz12]

I also have never used a fluid bed. But, that wouldn't be the issue. Like Curt said, it probably is an issue with the paint itself. The only thing to try is clean the head with Alcohol, Acetone, naptha, anything you have laying around before you dip. Also try heating it up a bit more then you would normally.

Powder painting is a tough thing to learn. Different colors act different then say plain black, or white. My Chartreuse paint is amazing to dip, along with the green pumpkin. But, when I change it over to my white powder paint, I have to heat less, and dip usually a couple of times to get a good finish. Its a pain really, but its so much easier than painting heads with an air brush, or a rattle can.

Also LurePartsOnline.com probably has pre painted heads you can buy straight from them and save the headache. Sometimes when I am in a time pinch on orders that is what I do. Shell out a few extra bucks and get a pre painted head.

[Curt - NC]

I gave up on powder painting after giving it a whirl. I'd rather not waste my time with it, so I buy the heads pre-painted right from LPO now.

[metz12]

I don't blame you Curt! It is the worst with the plastic weed guard on jigs. I dont know how guys do it without buying jigheads with no weed guard, powder paint them and then drill the hole out, and glue the weed guard in. Now when I make jigs for myself and for sale I just buy the pre painted ones like you do from LPO. Ive gotten a process down though on my spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and my bladed jigs, since there is no weed guard on them.