A question for the masters

AllenOK

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I'm trying to get all set up for ice fishing.  That way it looks right now, I probably won't make it out this season.  But....

Everybody swears by tungsten ice jigs.  Ok, fine.  However, if I go to a bait shop, those things are anywhere from $2.50 - $5.00 EACH!  There are a few guys on FB that are selling hand-painted jigs.  However, this time of year, they orders backed up 4 - 6 weeks.

So, I'm thinking about painting my own.  I'll have to buy tungsten jigs from overseas, as nobody here pours/assembles their own domestic tungsten jigs.  I've seen some of the paint jobs these guys are doing.  Absolutely amazing.  I've realized there's no way I can match that with my feeble powder tapping.

I've heard these folks are using markers after apply a basepaint.  Probably fine-tip stuff for stripes, but a two-toned jig?  I'm thinking a one-color base coat, and maybe a Copic marker/airbrush thing after that.

My question is, if I go that route, can I then do a 200% Clear powder top coat?  Will the marker colors change, run, bleed, fade, etc.?
 

AtticaFish

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Never tried to clear coat over marker on a jig head, but don't see why it would not work. As long as it is indirect heat, it shouldn't burn off.

But..... i really don't use all that much tungsten. I do have a few, but dang do those little tungsten heads have tiny hooks. Way too small for my liking. Most of my jig heads for ice fishing are the same i use throughout the year for bluegill. 1/64 and 1/32 are the majority with #10 & #8 hooks. Just too hard to fit a waxie on a #12 hook. Maggots will work though. I even use 1/16 pretty often if i know there are crappie around. Jig those bigger hair jigs up high and aggressively, fish will let you know quickly if they are active enough to chase them.
 

Kdog

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Not sure if the marker will hold up to curing without a color change, However, I have had a lot of success using D2T to topcoat over all sorts of media, ranging from acrylic paint, Magic markers, paper, foil and powdercoat.
 

Fatman

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For the markers use the CS paint markers - you do have to clear coat after using them.
100_6821.jpg
 

Fatman

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AllenOK

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Jackson, MI
Ok, thanks! Once my tax refund gets here, I'm going on a shopping spree (or two) for tying materials. I will probably make a trip over to Dundee, MI, and hit the Cabela's there. Might even make a trip down to Netcraft, about 45 minutes from Dundee. I haven't made my mind up on that one. Might just make an order from Netcraft instead. Last year, the main reason I went to Netcraft was because I was also planning on hitting the BPS in Toledo. Did both in one day. Not planning on going to BPS this year.
 

AtticaFish

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I still do most of my ordering through Jann's but they must have completely changed their shipping service. Used to take 2 days to get to me, now it is over a week. Kind of comical since the store is located so close to me. I'm never in a big hurry for stuff so doesn't matter to me, just a heads up.
 

duffy

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As a side note, I had bought a black marker and when it arrived it was like it was old stock as it was dried up. I called Jann's to ask if I needed to call the company or if they took care of these things. They sent me a new one out right away so check them when you get them.
 

AllenOK

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AF, I noticed that as well the last time I ordered from them. I usually place orders early on a Tuesday morning; that's when I get paid via direct deposit. It takes me about 90 minutes to drive to Maumee. When I first moved up here, 2 days was all it took. Last time I ordered, on a Tuesday, and it was Saturday when it finally got here. Considering that, I might just make the drive, especially if I'm going to the Cabela's in Dundee.
 
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