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Lure Makers Need A Quality Clear Coat

You might be making fishing lures for a hobby, producing them for profit, or both. Whether you are making lures for fun, or as part of a business, using quality lure making supplies can be the difference between an OK result and an excellent outcome.

Choosing the proper clear coat to be used on lures is important. Clear coat has more functionality than just providing a shiny final finish. What should you consider when deciding on a clear coat to add to your stock of lure making supplies?

For fishing lures, the main criteria are that the clear coat is compatible with the base coat used on the lure, that it’s hard so it will resist damage from sharp fish teeth, is flexible to remain adhered if the lure is dented (especially important with wood lures), avoids yellowing and discoloration over time, and is easy to work with. It’s also important that the clear coat is waterproof sealing wood lures away from moisture.

"Clear Coat" is a generic term for a clear, or pigmented finish that is directly applied over a substrate such as wood, metal, or plastic. It is also applied over base coats to protect the color, add "depth" to the appearance, or allow enough film thickness to allow for sanding and polishing. Clear coats prolong the useful life of any surface upon which they are applied. Commonly used clear coats include lacquer, varnish, and polyurethane.

Lacquer is a tree resin or synthetic resin dissolved in alcohol and is popular for sealing wood furniture. Clear lacquer can only be applied over lacquer base coats otherwise solvents in the clear lacquer will cause non-lacquer base coats to run. While clear lacquer brings out a rich, warm, and relatively scratch-resistant finish on deep-toned wood, it can yellow over time, which can distort the colors of the lure’s base coat. Lacquer can be tricky to work with and must be sprayed on carefully and left sit to cure after. Lacquer can be brittle and can dent easy because it's thin. Lacquer can also dry out and crack over long periods of time. Its not the best clear coat to add to your stock of lure making supplies.

Varnish is very similar to lacquer and is a resin dissolved in a liquid for applying on wood, metal, or other materials to form a hard, clear, shiny surface when dry. However, varnish easily peels and cracks or bubbles if not applied properly. Also, it is not as tough as lacquer, or as resistant to water and chemicals. As compared to lacquer, more coats need to be applied to achieve the same thickness and it takes longer to dry. Varnish also yellows with time. Water based varnish has the advantage that it can be used over paints and can be applied with a bristle brush.

Polyurethane clear coat is basically plastic in liquid form until it dries. Good quality polyurethane clear coat is a popular addition to the arsenal of lure making supplies used by most lure fabricators. This is due to its film hardness, resistance to scratches and dents (especially helpful with balsa wood), long-term durability, its ability to remain clear without yellowing, as well as user friendliness. Excellent flexibility characteristics also makes polyurethane well suited for wooden lures as it allows the clear coat to remain adhered without cracking or peeling if the wood becomes wet and swells, or the wood is dented. Polyurethane clear coats can be applied to all components of a lure including plastic, wood, and metal.

Polyurethane clear coat is offered in water-based and oil-based versions and comes in a variety of finishes from satin to glossy. Water-based polyurethane is often used due to its low odor and toxicity. It goes on clear without adding a slight darkening in base coat color appearance, and doesn’t yellow over time, which oil-based versions can do. As well it dries much faster, in some cases up to three times faster. Oil based polyurethane dents and peels easier than water based, however, some water-based versions scratch easier. When it comes to safety, a quality water-based polyurethane clear coat will have significantly lower (up to 50%) volatile organic compounds or VOCs than oil based.

Polyurethane clear coats are available in versions that can be applied with a brush or sprayed. Dipping of lures is common and polyurethane clear coats work great for that purpose. Application of water-based polyurethane differs from that of oil-based in that it applies in much thinner coats. An unlimited number of coats of water-based can be applied while only a couple layers of oil-based can be applied before scratching or chipping becomes a problem.

Polyurethane clear coats are available in 1K (one part), or 2K (two parts that need to be mixed) versions. 1K polyurethane is more user friendly as the user doesn’t require mixing which saves time and hassle.

For lure making, KBS Coatings offers DiamondFinish Clear, which is a moisture cured, crystal clear, one part urethane clearcoat that is that is UV stable, durable and extremely tough. It can perform in the toughest environments without yellowing, cracking or peeling. Because of its Advanced Cross-Linked Coatings Technology, it performs extremely well for making fishing lures. This technology makes the coating both flexible and durable. For a demonstration of DiamondFinish Clear’s flexibility and durability see our video. DiamondFinish Clear can be used with all fully cured base coats.

DiamondFinish Clear is ideal for any type of lure surface, including jig heads. When desired, it can be tinted with color, and it is also great for suspending glitter in your finishes. DiamondFinish Clear is a single component (1K) coating, which means user-friendliness with no self-mixing of two parts and can be spayed-onto lures, applied with a brush, or the lure can be dipped in the clear coat. If brushed, the coating is self-leveling, so it leaves a beautifully smooth surface without brush marks. For best performance, DiamondFinish Clear must be thoroughly stirred in circles as well as from top to bottom. See THIS VIDEO for a demonstration.

DiamondFinish Clear is a moisture cured coating. Meaning that it cures by reacting with water vapor in the air. The higher the humidity, the quicker the cure time. It is important to remember DiamondFinish Clear can be contaminated in the storage container or exposure to the air or by moisture dripping off the lure. If the lure is being dipped, it is recommended to pour off a working amount in a small jar and close-up the container of clear coat. Again, air in the atmosphere can cause DiamondFinish Clear to begin hardening in the can. To keep this from occurring KBS Paint Saver can be a useful part of your lure making supplies. KBS Paint Saver contains Argon and Nitrogen gases which are heavier than air and 100% dry. These gases are sprayed into the container of DiamondFinish Clear which displaces the air so no moist, humid air is left in the can that could cause it to prematurely cure and harden. See our video for a demonstration.

Quality lure making supplies are essential to producing quality lures. Used by hobbyists and professionals alike, DiamondFinish Clear preserves, protects and beautifies your lures, and is an important addition to your lure making supplies list.

For more information on DiamondFinish Clear click HERE.

How To Properly Open a DiamondFinish Clear Can and How To Preserve Clear Coat In The Can

Over the years, one of the most useful tips we give to our customers is how to properly open a paint can so it be sealed correctly. In the video, we show you how to properly open and close a paint can from KBS Coatings.

Because most of our paint is shipped at some point, there is a chance that the paint in the can might get between the can and the lid which can make getting the lid off more difficult than it might be with an ordinary latex paint. Latex paints do not provide nearly the adhesion that is provided with paints from KBS Coatings so that is why opening our paint cans is an essential critical first step.

In the video, we also show you how to use KBS Paint Saver. KBS Paint Saver is a proven paint preserver that allows user-friendly long-term storing of leftover paints in the original can. KBS Paint Saver keeps paints, coatings, and clear coats from skinning over in the can saving you money by allowing you to use the entire can of paint. KBS Paint Saver is environmentally safe, allows for storage of paints in their original cans, and is extremely easy to use.

At KBS Coatings, we want you to be able to make the most of your investment which is why we show you how to open and close the paint can and how to use KBS Paint Saver to preserve the paint in the can.

Get some DiamondFinish Clear or KBS Paint Saver for your project today and take your rust prevention to the next level!

Marine Paint Needs to Have Toughness, Flexibility, and Durability

Marine environments can wreak havoc on metal and the paints they are finished with. Things like boat trailers, decks, hulls, masts, and storage lockers are susceptible to the moist and often salty conditions. Wear and tear can damage paint, exposing metal, and soon rust sets in. Without stopping rust, it causes damage that can be costly to repair or require replacement of the rusted part.

To avoid damage the metal needs to be refinished immediately with marine paint. However, rust usually sets in before the job can be completed. So, what is the best way to refinish metal that is rusted? What needs to be considered when choosing a rustproof paint for marine use?

Marine paint needs to separate air and moisture from the metal to avoid oxidation, the precursor to rust. To keep air and moisture away from metal the paint must bond strongly and be hard to avoid damage from wear and tear.

Flexibility is another important quality marine paint needs to address. Flexibility allows the paint to remain bonded to the metal if it is dented, as well as when the metal expands and contracts. Durability is critical also to reduce the frequency of the metal needing to be refinished. UV stability is a primary concern as the paint will most likely have high exposure to the sun.

To maintain an impenetrable barrier that will seal the metal away from air and moisture, marine paint ultimately must have toughness, flexibility, and durability to remain uncompromised by dings and dents to the metal, as well as the elements.

KBS Coatings RustSeal performs well as a marine paint as it has the necessary toughness, flexibility, and durability needed to maintain an air and moisture proof seal with the metal. RustSeal is a single part, moisture cured, rust preventive coating. The formulation of the RustSeal makes it wholly non-porous and impervious to air, water, sea salt and chemicals. RustSeal is for use above or below the waterline and will protect metal that is underwater or exposed to constant high humidity.

KBS Coatings' Advanced Cross-Linked Coatings Technology makes RustSeal both highly-durable and flexible. Its hardness helps to avoid damage from wear and tear, while its flexibility allows it to remain bonded to metal during expansion and contraction, or if it is dented. RustSeal will not crack, flake, or peel in marine environments. Check out THIS VIDEO demonstrating RustSeal’s durability and flexibility. RustSeal is user-friendly and can be brushed on, rolled on, or sprayed on. It flows out well and is self-leveling to provide a beautiful, smooth finish without brush marks.

To achieve the best bond of RustSeal to metal, the surface needs to be properly prepared. Corrosion and organic contaminants need to be removed so that RustSeal can deeply penetrate and permanently adhere. This includes removing dirt, oil, grease and other contaminants. The surface also needs to have a texture, or etch, that allows the RustSeal to take hold. This preparation can be achieved by sand blasting. However, blasting with plastic, bead or soda media will not provide the amount of abrasion needed for direct RustSeal application. If the metal is not being sandblasted, KBS Coatings offers KBS Klean and KBS RustBlast for proper surface preparation.

KBS Klean is a concentrated, water-based, biodegradable, and non-flammable formula that cleans the surface by removing dirt, grime, oils, lubricants, grease, waxes, scum, algae, and other contaminants. KBS Klean is applied after using 320 grit sandpaper, or a wire brush or wheel to remove any loose flakey rust. After the KBS Klean procedure is complete, it is time for KBS RustBlast.

RustBlast is a powerful rust remover, zinc phosphate pre-primer, and metal etch. RustBlast dissolves rust, corrosion, metal oxides, and tarnish from most metal surfaces. Prior use of KBS Klean is important as the cleaner the surface is, the more effective RustBlast will be. RustBlast ultimately allows RustSeal to penetrate more deeply into pores in the metal to permanently seal and protect the surface.

RustSeal is not intended for use as a final marine paint finish as long-term exposure to direct UV light will cause fading of the color and sheen. RustSeal’s guaranteed rust protective properties, however, will not degrade. To protect against unwanted cosmetic changes, RustSeal can be top coated with any opaque (solid color) paint system. A popular choice is KBS Coatings Top Coater, which is included in the KBS All-In-One Kit. This user-friendly all-inclusive kit consists of KBS Klean, RustBlast, RustSeal, KBS Top Coater and KBS #1 Thinner.

KBS Top Coater is a single part, high solids paint that does not run or sag, and gives at least twice the coverage of conventional single part marine paint. Like RustSeal, KBS Top Coater can be brushed, rolled or sprayed on. Its self-leveling properties allow it flow out well, not show brush marks and provide professional looking results. KBS Top Coater is available in 16 colors.

Marine environments can wreak havoc on metal and the marine paint it is finished with. KBS Coatings provides a solution to avoid rust with a tough, long lasting and durable barrier, while providing a beautiful and professional appearing finish.

For more information on the KBS Coatings All-In-One Kit click HERE.

RustSeal - Showing the Insane Durability and Flexibility of this Rust Preventive Paint

This video shows the durability and flexibility of RustSeal by KBS Coatings. RustSeal is a superior single part, ready-to-use, rust preventive coating. RustSeal is impervious to road salts and most every chemical. RustSeal flows out to a beautiful, rock-hard, tough ceramic-like coating that is tough to chip or scratch, and will not crack or peel.

Get some RustSeal for your project today and take your rust prevention to the next level!

DiamondFinish Clear Is The Ultimate Clear Coat for Fishing Lure Makers

DiamondFinish Clear is an ultra-long lasting, moisture cured clear coat designed to add body, depth, and a rich gloss to your fishing lures.

DiamondFinish Clear is extremely durable because of its high solids content but at the same time DiamondFinish Clear always remains highly flexible.

DiamondFinish Clear is guaranteed to never yellow or crack and can be used over metal, plastic and wood as a crystal clear seal coat.

DiamondFinish Clear can be applied by dipping, by brush, and spray gun.

DiamondFinish Clear is also ideal for suspending glitter in your finishes.

Get some DiamondFinish Clear Coat for your fishing lures today and take your artwork to the next level!

DiamondFinish Clear Is The Clear Coat To Add The Bling To Your Custom Artwork

You have created your custom fishing lure and what to protect it and add Bling. Look no further than DiamondFinish Clear Coat to protect your fishing lure and provide the Bling.

DiamondFinish Clear Coat is an extremely long lasting, moisture cured clear coat. DiamondFinish Clear adds depth, body, and a rich gloss to your fishing lures.

Guaranteed to never yellow or crack, DiamondFinish Clear Coat can also be used over metal, plastic, and wood as a crystal-clear seal coat.

DiamondFinish Clear Coat is ideal for suspending glitter in your finishes.

DiamondFinish Clear Coat is highly durable due to its high solids content, but at the same time will always remain highly flexible because of advanced coatings technology.

DiamondFinish Clear Coat can be applied by brush, spray gun, or by dipping.

Get some DiamondFinish Clear Coat for your fishing lures today and take your artwork to the next level!

How To Attach The Cavity Wand to KBS Cavity Coater Aerosol

In this video, we show you how to properly attach the easy-to-use Cavity Wand to the Cavity Coater Aerosol Can.

The keys to your success are to shake the Cavity Coater Aerosol well before use, gently push straight down the spray tip while giving a slight twist, and also applying when it is between 65-80F for ideal results. Cavity Coater Aerosol sprays the best when the Cavity Coater Aerosol is between 65-80F.

Cavity Coater Aerosol is the Perfect Solution for hard-to-reach areas that are prone to rusting! Cavity Coater is a single step, super-penetrating corrosion inhibiting coating (CIC) designed for long term protection on all metal surfaces. Cavity Coater Aerosol provides a self-healing film which provides insane rust protection on hard to reach areas.

Candy Pigment and Flake Added To DiamondFinish Clear to Restore Jet Ski

Here are some pictures that I took. I’ll explain what I did to get the result that I wanted.

I ended up having to make my red base coat because the aluminum had been media blasted and had a really grey appearance, and the customer didn't want me to go thru the extra step in prepping the aluminum for use as my base coat for candy.

I had some really coarse silver left over from the base on the ski so that's where I started. After playing around at the mixing bank I added some base coat pigments and a little binder for color and a couple effect pigments, I ended up with the color that the customer wanted.

The next step was to mix the pigment(s) in the DiamondFinish Clear, using about 20-30% by volume. It wasn't enough to be opaque, but with 2 coats it covered.

The reason for mixing in the clear was solely for DTM adhesion and I wanted to see how far I could go with introducing a large amount of pigments with the DiamondFinish Clear.

I followed up with a urethane grade red candy concentrate that I added to a fresh batch of DiamondFinish Clear and that finished it off.

The black that you see was rattle can satin black that the customer already applied. It was fully cured. The customer stated that he wanted this gloss black, so I shot the DiamondFinish Clear right over the top.

At this point I was done, until the customer wanted me to shoot some .008 OSF Ghost Fire flake over the black sections. So, two more coats and it was buried and now I was done.

It looks great! I happy with the result and the customer is more than happy.

All in all, I have to say I really like DiamondFinish Clear. DiamondFinish Clear couldn’t be easier to shoot and I LOVE the high solids!

I have been shooting flake for years and DiamondFinish Clear is exactly what the doctor ordered! I've been looking forward to trying DiamondFinish Clear out for a couple months now and I glad I did.

-Rikk C.