Powder Coating Jigheads! - by zonker

[Brian]

The quickest and most convenient way to paint smaller quantities of jig heads is powder painting. There is very little mess. Its quick and easy. No fumes. I use Pro-Tec Powder Paint for mine. The instructions that come on the jar are good but here are a few things that I have learned through trial and error.

1. Always stir the powder to keep it fluffy and loose. I do this after every three jigs.

2. Don't get your jig head too hot. I usually do this over a burner of our gas range. More than once I have daydreamed long enough to completely melt the lead off the hook, which can happen more quickly than you might think. (This will usually come right off the stove as the lead doesn't stick.) Holding the jig head with pliers over the flame about 5 seconds, turning it back and forth, works for me. It is better to err on the side of cool rather than get the jig too hot. If the jig smokes with paint on it, it's too hot.

3. Once hot, swish the jig lightly back and forth (side to side) in the loose powder. Don't push it in so that it compacts the powder. Tap it on the edge of the jar to remove excess powder before it liquifies.

4. Make a "T" pin out of some stainless steel wire (I use .035" spinner wire.) Just use your pliers to bend it into the shape of a "T". Push this through the eye of the hook while the jig is still warm. Clearing the eye this way makes it much less trouble than waiting to try to chip it out.

5. If you mess up one of your jigs, just drop it into a small cup of laquer thinner (before you bake it). Wipe it with a towel, let the thinner evaporate from the surface of the jig, then repaint.

6. Bake your jigs in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes after painting. This will make the paint very hard so that it doesn't chip when fishing.

Maybe a few others can add tips they have learned from experience.

zonker 8-)