Mastering Fish Scale Patterns On Crankbaits

Painting crankbaits is a fun, rewarding and economical way to add a personal touch to your fishing experience. While crankbaits can be expensive, unpainted crankbait blanks are available online for $1 or less each, which can be customised with paint and hooks. This is a great option for those who are reluctant to trust their artistic abilities with something as important as catching a fish. One way to paint a fish scale pattern on crankbaits is to use an airbrush, as done by Kiera Haag, who also used a homemade cardboard spray booth. Another method is to use paint markers and screen material for scales, followed by a clear epoxy coat.

Using paint markers for small lures

Painting crankbaits is a fun, rewarding, and economical activity. One of the simplest tools you can use to paint small lures is a paint marker. CS Quick-Coat Paint Markers are one such option, which come with a variety of tips to suit your preference. However, reviews suggest that you may need to shake the marker for longer than the 30 seconds stated in the instructions to get an even distribution of paint on the lure.

Zoom markers are another option for painting small lures. These are favored by some over the CS Quick-Coat markers, potentially due to the issue with paint distribution. When using paint markers, you may want to consider using a homemade cardboard spray booth, like the one used by Kiera Haag, to protect your surroundings from paint.

When painting a fish scale pattern on a crankbait, you can paint over mesh material to create the desired effect. You can also use an airbrush, as Kiera Haag does, to paint a crankbait lure. If you are reluctant to trust your artistic abilities, you may opt for a non-life-like design over a pattern that mimics common prey. In fact, some experts argue that it may be more effective to have a bait that stands out with sharp contrasts between colors, rather than one that looks like a fish.

To make your lure stand out, you can paint a dark circle on the side of a brightly colored bait or add reflective finishes of silver or gold. Once you have finished painting your lure and the paint is dry, remember to protect your work with a clear coat. You can use a commercial product like KBS Clear Diamond Finish, or a suitable alternative from the beauty section of Walmart.

Painting over mesh material

Painting a fish scale pattern on crankbaits can be a fun and rewarding endeavour, and one way to achieve this is by painting over mesh material wrapped around the crankbait. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Prepare the Mesh Material

Firstly, cut and shape the mesh material to fit snugly around the crankbait's body. This can be secured with clothespins or paper clips to hold it in place while you paint.

Choose the Right Paint

For painting on mesh, it is recommended to use fabric paint designed for soft, flexible materials. One example is Angelus fabric paint, which can effectively bond to mesh without stiffening it. Remember to mix Angelus 2-Soft with your chosen paint at a 1:1 ratio to ensure better adhesion to the mesh.

Painting Techniques

When you are ready to paint, use a large, soft brush, such as a #10 Filbert brush, to apply the paint with light, even strokes. This will help create a smooth base coat without saturating the mesh. Alternatively, you can use a makeup sponge to dab the paint onto the mesh, although this method may use more paint. Be sure to use a brush for the edges to avoid getting paint where you don't want it.

Multiple Coats

After the first coat of paint dries, apply two to three more coats until the mesh is evenly covered. This will ensure a consistent and vibrant colour across the crankbait.

Create the Fish Scale Pattern

To emulate fish scales, you can use a variety of techniques. One method is to create stencils, either by hand or with the help of a 3D printer, to paint the scale pattern directly onto the mesh. Another approach is to use an airbrush to achieve the subtle transitions between the colours of the scales. With practice, you can create a beautiful, lifelike fish scale pattern.

Remember, when painting a fish scale pattern on crankbaits, creativity and experimentation are encouraged. Enjoy the process, and you'll end up with a unique and attractive lure!

Creating stencils for details

Another option for creating a scale pattern is to use mesh material. Wrap the mesh around the crankbait's body and secure it with a clothespin or paper clip. Then, paint over the mesh to create the desired scale pattern. This technique allows for a subtle transition between colours, emulating the natural appearance of fish scales.

If you're looking for a more personal touch, you can also use holographic scale pattern stickers. First, apply a layer of paint, followed by the scale stickers, and then paint over the edges of the stickers. Finally, apply an epoxy coat to protect the design.

Creating detailed stencils for your crankbait allows for a rewarding and economical painting process. With a bit of practice and creativity, you can achieve a realistic fish scale pattern that will make your crankbait stand out. Remember to consider the colour transitions and the overall design, as fish vision is significantly less powerful than that of terrestrial species.

Using holographic scale stickers

To use holographic scale stickers effectively, it is important to prepare the surface of the crankbait by ensuring it is clean and dry. This will help the stickers adhere properly to the lure. It is worth noting that some users have reported issues with the adhesion of certain holographic stickers, so it may be beneficial to use a small amount of super glue or epoxy to ensure they stay in place.

When applying the stickers, it is recommended to use a hairdryer to heat-seal the stickers and ensure they are securely attached. This will also help create a smooth and seamless finish. The hairdryer can be used between each layer of stickers to build up a natural and blended look, similar to the layers of paint.

Holographic scale stickers are a practical and convenient option for creating a fish scale pattern on crankbaits. They are ideal for touch-ups, upgrades, or creating new lures. With their reflective and luminous designs, these stickers can make your lures more unique and attractive to fish.

Airbrushing for colour transitions

Airbrushing is a great way to achieve smooth colour transitions on your crankbaits, giving them a professional and realistic finish. Here are some tips to help you master colour transitions when airbrushing:

Start with a Plan: Before you begin airbrushing, decide on the colours you want to use and the order in which you'll apply them. Choose colours that blend well together and complement each other to create a seamless transition.

Prepare Your Workstation: Set up your airbrushing area with good ventilation and lay out all the colours you plan to use. Ensure your airbrush is clean and properly maintained, with the right needle and nozzle sizes for the scale of your project.

Practice on a Separate Surface: It's always a good idea to practice your colour transitions on a separate piece of cardboard or scrap material before applying paint to your crankbait. This allows you to get a feel for the colours and the airbrush settings, ensuring smooth transitions without harsh lines.

Master the Technique: Airbrushing is a technique-sensitive process. Adjust the distance and angle of your airbrush to the surface to achieve the desired effect. For smooth transitions, hold the airbrush at a consistent distance and angle as you move it across the surface, slightly overlapping each stroke to avoid hard edges.

Layer Your Colours: Start with your base colour and gradually build up the layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. This gradual layering technique helps to create depth and a seamless transition between colours.

Blend at the Edges: Focus on blending the colours where they meet to avoid harsh lines. You can do this by reducing the amount of paint released by the airbrush as you reach the edge of one colour, creating a soft fade into the next colour.

Experiment with Different Techniques: There are various advanced airbrushing techniques you can explore, such as wet blending or using stencils to create specific patterns or effects.

Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to airbrushing. Take your time, experiment with different colours and techniques, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. With each attempt, you'll improve your skills and create more realistic and attractive crankbaits.

Frequently asked questions