How To Get Started Airbrushing Crankbaits & Fishing Lures

By Donna Busch

January 7, 2025 3 min read

Createx Airbrush Paints are a popular choice for painting fishing lures due to their versatility, durability, and wide range of colors

Preparation:

Clean the Lure: Ensure the lure is clean and free of any oils or debris. Wash it with soap and water, then lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper for better paint adhesion.
Prime: primers help with paint adhesion. Autoborne Sealer is widely used for Plastic/Metal lures – Those that want to utilize the “flash” of a metal lure use the Autoborne Clear Primer and typically will use Candy 2o which is an Aniline dye

Thinning the Paint:

Consistency is Key: Airbrush Colors need to be thinned for airbrushing. The ideal consistency is often described as milk like.
Use Createx's own thinner/reducers is recommended for optimal performance and ease of use 4021 is an excellent choice. Avoid using water, it just washes out the paint and any durability and adhesion.
Before painting your lure, test the paint on a piece of paper or cardboard to ensure it flows smoothly and the consistency is correct.

Airbrushing Techniques:

Air Pressure: Start with a lower air pressure (around 18-20 psi) and adjust as needed. Higher pressure can cause overspray, while lower pressure may result in sputtering.
Distance and Movement: Hold the airbrush a few inches away from the lure and use smooth, even strokes. Avoid staying in one spot for too long to prevent paint buildup and runs. Airbrush in light thin layers, this creates a more even and durable finish. building paints to the desired colors/finish – Airbrushing in heavy coats is not recommended.

Painting Process:

Clean and de-grease
Prime Using the Autoborne Sealers
Base Coat: Start with a base coat in a neutral color or a color that complements your design.
Details and Patterns: Use different colors and techniques (e.g., stencils, freehand) to add details, scales, and patterns.
Clear Coat: After the paint has fully dried, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and give the lure a glossy finish. Use a good durable clear coat – Dipping the lures in KBS resin is a common practice.

Additional Tips:

Practice: Practice trigger control and other painting techniques such as blends and gradients a good starting point is following along with the Airbrush Tutor – Although not specific to lure painting – you will learn trigger control, blending, gradients and texture technique which are all important techniques used on lures.
Clean Your Airbrush: Clean your airbrush thoroughly after each use to prevent clogs and ensure optimal performance. The iwata you-tube channel has some great short videos on airbrush cleaning and Maintenance.
Safety: Use appropriate PPE for the products you are working, avoid inhaling paint fumes and work in a well-ventilated area.

Popular Createx Products for Lures:

Autoborne Sealers by Createx: Starting with a good foundation is key to a successful project.
Createx Airbrush Colors: These are general-purpose airbrush paints that offer a wide range of colors including pearlescent, metallic and fluorescents. Typically sprayed through a .50 Needle/Nozzle Combination - Please refer to this link for application tips and reductions.

Createx Wicked Colors: Multi-Surface paint suietable for most surfaces including automotive. They also have more specialized paints with unique effects like pearlescent, metallic, and fluorescent. Application and recommended usages please click here

By following these tips and practicing your technique, you can create professional-looking painted lures.

Popular Airbrushes used for painting Fishing Lures

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