Custom Baits - Forum

Soft Plastic Bait Making => Soft Plastic and Plastic Baits - How To??? => Topic started by: pa.jay on 04/19/21 06:31 UTC

Title: Dipping swim baits
Post by: pa.jay on 04/19/21 06:31 UTC
Those that dip them whats your process ? I been dipping my hard baits I make in kbs but that's easy cause of the eyelets on the lures .how are you dipping and hanging the swim baits ?
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: bassinfool on 04/19/21 07:20 UTC
You want to use the thinnest, clearest and softest plastisol available.  I have a tall borosilicate beaker I use to dip my swimbaits in.  If using a standard "medium" durometer plastic, I add a tablespoon of softener to it to thin it out and get it nice and hot and dip the bait to the end of the hook slot.  You don't want to dip too much of the tail or it will impact the swimming action of the bait.
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: WALLEYE WACKER on 04/19/21 14:57 UTC
Most use 50 / 50 Softener to plastic. Limit the amount of reheats.
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: pa.jay on 04/19/21 20:24 UTC
So in reality i just need to dip the front to keep eyes in place . Thanks all !!!
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: Bass Boys on 04/20/21 04:23 UTC
So in reality i just need to dip the front to keep eyes in place . Thanks all !!!

 Correct.
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: bassinfool on 04/20/21 09:56 UTC
So in reality i just need to dip the front to keep eyes in place . Thanks all !!!

Pretty much.  Some will dip to help make sure their bait doesn't de-laminate if they're pouring multiple colors without a heat gun/griddle to keep the layers hot so they get a good bond.
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: pa.jay on 04/20/21 19:55 UTC
Maybe cart before horse I already oiled my baits will the clear coat still stick or do I need to wash off oil ? Think I know the answer already BUT I read where guys add oil to plastisol to float bait .
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: bassinfool on 04/21/21 08:55 UTC
You should definitely clear dip before adding any oil to your baits for packaging.
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: Bass Boys on 04/22/21 04:22 UTC
Maybe cart before horse I already oiled my baits will the clear coat still stick or do I need to wash off oil ? Think I know the answer already BUT I read where guys add oil to plastisol to float bait .

  add oil to float bait ????
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: ctom on 04/22/21 07:14 UTC
BUT I read where guys add oil to plastisol to float bait .

You can coat finished baits with worm oil to help them prevent sticking to each other of taking an un-wanted twist in a storage box/bag, but adding any oil to the actual plastisol is not going to help float a finished bait and can mess up the finished plastic. Baits oiled in a bag can be washed off with alcohol if one wants to back up and clear coat eyes. Oil mixed into the plastic itself will do nothing but screw up the plastic itself.
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: pa.jay on 04/24/21 20:24 UTC
got ya ! Thanks Maybe I misread post then .
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: pa.jay on 05/10/21 20:03 UTC
ok dipped the head of the swimbaits tried it at 350 to 380 degrees can not get it to bond . I can pull it off with just rubbing finger against it . ?? Whats the trick ?
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: bassinfool on 05/11/21 12:52 UTC
ok dipped the head of the swimbaits tried it at 350 to 380 degrees can not get it to bond . I can pull it off with just rubbing finger against it . ?? Whats the trick ?

Have the swimbaits been sitting for a while?  If so, some oil may have leeched out of the plastic not letting the clear coat bond well.
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: Fishermanbt on 05/11/21 16:36 UTC
Have the swimbaits been sitting for a while?  If so, some oil may have leeched out of the plastic not letting the clear coat bond well.
Might try some isopropyl alcohol on a cloth rag (not a paper towel) and lightly wipe off the area that you are dipping.
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: pa.jay on 05/12/21 20:05 UTC
thank you ! will try that
Title: Re: Dipping swim baits
Post by: Agronomist_at_ia on 07/12/21 02:53 UTC
So in reality i just need to dip the front to keep eyes in place . Thanks all !!!

I’m not a big fan on dipping baits to keep the eyes on…..With the ES swim bait and ES jerk bait I’ve just used a red permanent marker (sharpie) and filled in the eye area. Then dotted an eye with a black permanent marker. Let it dry and your good.