saltwater poppers- 1st batch

[robmedina]

So I made my first batch of saltwater poppers. It was apparent that I needed some way of painting the foam poppers. Using a marker was not the answer. I found Copic Airbrushing system but it is pretty pricey. I have an air compressor- so I thought of going the route of an actual airbrush- but I don't know anything about it and did not want to get the wrong thing or a poorly working brush.

Then I saw a device called a Spritzer. It works on the same idea as the copic airbrush, ie you install a colored marker at the tip and force air over it to get the "airbrush" look. The difference is that the spritzer is a hand plunger, one squeeze gets you one spray. The problem mostly is you can not do any accurate work with it. So I rigged up my air blower into the spritzer nozzle and made my own air gun. It isn't perfect, but you know what, the fish really aren't as critical as fisherman are.

I also got some 5 minute epoxy and a fly and jig dryer. I like the 5 minute epoxy way better than the UV stuff.

Anyway, without further ado here are the first batch of poppers.

[J Barbosa]

Rob, first off they look good!

I know you have been watching this video:

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...9737#post79737

I thought about the Copic system but couldn't justify the price since I already own an airbrush but to me airbrushing is a PITA.

FYI I have found out the hard way that 5 minute epoxy is not waterproof! The five minute stuff will crack on you while the UV stuff holds up. The UV is also much more expensive than epoxy but will not yellow over time.

I have heard the 30 minute epoxy is waterproof and much tougher (from Surfstix I believe).

Did you make your own drying wheel or buy one? Pictures or reviews???

Also, check out the "Bobs Bangers" style poppers. They are much easier and quicker to make...a big plus if your feeding them to the bluefish.

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...0-Bob-s-Banger

[robmedina]

Rob, first off they look good!

I know you have been watching this video:

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...9737#post79737

I thought about the Copic system but couldn't justify the price since I already own an airbrush but to me airbrushing is a PITA.

FYI I have found out the hard way that 5 minute epoxy is not waterproof! The five minute stuff will crack on you while the UV stuff holds up. The UV is also much more expensive than epoxy but will not yellow over time.

I have heard the 30 minute epoxy is waterproof and much tougher (from Surfstix I believe).

Did you make your own drying wheel or buy one? Pictures or reviews???

Also, check out the "Bobs Bangers" style poppers. They are much easier and quicker to make...a big plus if your feeding them to the bluefish.

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...0-Bob-s-Banger

That's good to know about the 30 minute- 5 minutes really isn't enough working time when you are trying to do more than one lure. I will be buying the 30 minute once the 5 minute is done.