I Really Would Appreciate Powder Paint Help

If some of you guys who are experienced with Powder Paint could give me some guidance, I would really be grateful. I have only painted jigs a few times, probably 5 times or less, so there is a lot I don’t know. If you can help with any of these questions, please do so.

1 When I Powder Paint, the jig will often look darker than the powder in the jar. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong? If I’m doing something wrong, please tell me what it is.

2 I use a Wagner heat gun and hold a 1/16th ounce jig head right at the nozzle for about 10 seconds. Less for a 1/32 ounce because the lead will melt off the hook that quick. I watched a video yesterday where the guy was heating his jigs with a small “torch” he called it, for about 3 seconds. How long do you heat your jig heads with a heat gun?

3 How much paint do you put in your fluid beds? A quarter full, half filled, 3/4 filled, etc?

4 What color of Pro Tec powder paint would you recommend for a jig head that is sky blue rather than royal blue?

I REALLY would like to hear from some of you guys. Thanks in advance.

GF

I will just try but not the expert here. All your colors will look different when applied and some like white or pearl base coat. Some times I apply 2 coats of color to make darker. Less coats you can do are better on jigs as it can get a little thick. I use a small propane torch. Attachment 417006One bottle will last several years as I do not do that many jigs. I would say about 3/4 full. I will leave the blue question alone as that is in the eye of the beholder and what your looking for. Experiment. You are going to paint jigs you don't care and some you love. That's just how it works. You are going to do fine and follow this thread a while, there are some real experts here at CDC that will have great info

Almost always darker when applied to the jig head.
Different powder paints like different amounts in the fluid bed and/or different airflow rates to get a good fluid action going. If a color simply won't fluidize for you try a vibrating motor or something vibrating the cup.
Sky blue, either mix blue with white or try another company. I've never seen a sky blue in pro tech.
Tiffany Blue Powder Coating Paint – The Powder Coat Store has a nice sky/powder blue

That blue I posted is a polyester instead of epoxy powder, not sure if it makes a difference but had to make sure to point it out before you try it.

Check out the listing for cloud blue on eBay. Or you could get directly from Simply Crappie.

2oz Jar Columbia Coating Powder Paint Fluid Bed Variety Of Colors | eBay

I'm sure no expert, but after I heat the jig up and run it thru the paint, I like to run it back thru the heat. Just be careful and don't smoke it. And then I cool it off quick in water. Then cure them in an oven. This usually get them close to the original color...

I use a Wagner heat gun what heat setting do you have it on ? I have my set on the 2nd from the highest setting and when I heat my head I hold it about 2 - 3 inches above the nozzle and heat my jig about 3-5 seconds on each side ....

longhunter, I have never used water to cool a jig. What does this do for you that ambient air won't do. Just curious.

From my understanding it makes the paint harder. But not as hard as baking.