I often find myself fishing with others and “borrowing” their lures especially when traveling. If I get to make a choice, I always opt for the lure with the worst finish because chances are good that lure caught the most fish because it has the best action! However, when I use my own lures, I assume the action is effective regardless of the state of the finish. If all goes well (and I catch a pile of fish) the lure will eventually need to be repaired. Fishing lures are way too expensive and hopefully hold too many memories to be discarded just because the finish is gone.
Lure Refinishing
Time requred: About 1 Hour
Supplies needed:
- 2-part Epoxy Filler. Denatured Alcohol
- Masking Tape
- Spray Paint
- Epoxy Sealer or Clear Enamel
Tools required:
- Split ring pliers. medium-fine steel wool or ScotchBrite pad
- Binder Clip
1. Take a before picture for future before/after sharing
2. Remove the hooks and split rings
3. Prepare lure surface
4. Fill holes and gouges
5. Clean surface
6. Tape areas not to be painted
7. Use a binder clip to mount the lure on a cardboard background
8. Apply THIN coats of the desired paint
9. Apply a clear enamel or epoxy sealer
10. Remove any masking tape
11. Replace the hooks and split rings
12. Take an after picture
Frequently Asked Questions
Fishing lures can be expensive and often hold sentimental value. Refinishing them restores their appearance and functionality, allowing you to extend their life and keep enjoying their effective action on the water.
You'll need 2-part epoxy filler, denatured alcohol, masking tape, spray paint, and a clear enamel or epoxy sealer. These materials help fill damage, clean, paint, and protect the lure during the refinishing process.
Essential tools include split ring pliers for removing and replacing hooks and split rings, medium-fine steel wool or a ScotchBrite pad for surface preparation, and a binder clip to hold the lure while painting.
First, remove hooks and split rings. Then remove any loose finish using medium-fine steel wool or a ScotchBrite pad. After filling any holes with epoxy filler and sanding smooth, clean the lure with denatured alcohol to ensure a clean surface for painting.
Epoxy-based spray paints are the best choice because they withstand wear and tear well. Enamel paints are the next best option, followed by acrylics. Make sure to apply several thin coats and follow the paint manufacturer's instructions.
A clear enamel or epoxy sealer protects the paint from chipping and wear, enhancing durability. Applying at least two thin coats ensures your lure finish lasts longer during fishing use.
Use a binder clip by removing one wire and passing it through the lure's tail eye, then attach the clip to a cardboard cutout. This setup allows you to paint one side at a time, ensuring neat two-tone finishes like natural baitfish patterns.
It's best to remove hooks and split rings at the start to avoid paint damage and clean the lure thoroughly. When reassembling, replace any hardware that shows signs of corrosion to maintain the lure's performance and longevity.
