How do you KNOW the jig has been cured when it comes out of the toaster oven? Will it look any different? I think I read somewhere that Pro-tec paint needs to cure @ 320* for 20 minutes?!?
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How do you KNOW the jig has been cured when it comes out of the toaster oven? Will it look any different? I think I read somewhere that Pro-tec paint needs to cure @ 320* for 20 minutes?!?
Been painting jigs over 30 years and in that time really just started baking them in the last few years. Baking does make a difference and baits won't chip as easy when you do. I start with a cold oven and bake at 350 for 15 minutes once it reaches temp. I use the jig holders from TJ"S Tackle so I can bake heads with the heads up, this will prevent coneheads if there is too much paint on the heads. Recently, I was in a hurry to go fishing and wanted some black spin/jigs that I painted and tied but didn't bake heads to save time. After a half dozen trout were caught I noticed the paint had started chipping, believe that if I had baked them they wouldn't have chipped so soon.
I was able to get the chart from TJ's Tackle to work this morning.
Attachment 481166
Attachment 481167
Thanks Dave, I was trying to get that to work myself. I've painted quite a while and these time/temp charts are a good starting place. Over the years you will find that a little less heat on certain colors and others just a little less time or visa versa. It really depends a lot on your fishing style. My jigs in the 3/8 oz to 1+ oz fished on bedrock for walleye need a much harder surface cure than my small panfish jigs. I use some powder for automotive frames that need a lot of heat to cure but wears like iron. Start with the chart and go from there to experiment class. Most of all have fun.
Most important thing I learned is buy a separate thermometer to check the temp of your oven. Don’t rely on the setting to be accurate. Mine runs way hotter then what the knob says.
SuperDave, getting that thermometer is all I'm lacking. I cured some today and don't have a clue what the REAL temp was in the toaster oven.:yikes I'll pick one up next time I'm in town. Planning on painting a hundred or more Sunday or Monday.
I do appreciate that chart. I cropped it from your post and put it in my pictures. Today I just set the temp on the oven @ 325* and set the timer at 40 minutes.