How To Seal Fishing Lures? (3-Methods!)

After crafting your handmade lure, you should protect it from the damaging effect of water by sealing it properly.

Sealing your lure makes it ready for painting and helps sustain the life of your lure. It prevents air and water from entering your lures as much as possible.

This article will provide you with a step by step explanation of how you can seal your homemade lures, including the tools you will need

How Do You Seal Homemade Lures?

There are various methods that you can use to seal homemade lures. While some of these methods are pretty easy, they are not without disadvantages.

Below are three commonly used methods, including their pros and cons.

Method 1- Using Oil-Based Primers

Oil-based primers are among the oldest and most commonly used methods for sealing homemade lures.

They are ideal for bare wood, as they help seal its porous surface.

How To Seal Homemade Lures With Oil-Based Primers

First, choose an oil-based primer to use. There are countless options available, such as Boiled Linseed oil.
Thin the oil-based primer with mineral spirits.
Put the lure into the thinned primer for about 1 minute.
Remove and allow it to dry for 7 to 10 days.
It would be best to dispose of all rags used in the sealing process properly because they are inflammable and pose a risk of fire hazards.

Pros Of Sealing With Oil-Based Primers

You can seal a lot of your handmade lures in a short time
Using oil-based primers does not require you to submerge the lure for a long time. In just 30 to 60 seconds, it is adequately sealed.

Cons Of Sealing With Oil-Based Primers

They are combustible. It would be best never to forget to dispose of rags used in the process properly.
Lures with light colors may bleed with the oil, causing a yellow-like tint.
They take a long time to dry properly.

Method 2- Sealing With Epoxy

Epoxy is also popularly used in sealing homemade lures as it provides a long-lasting effect and even adds to the durability of your lure.

How To Seal Homemade Lures With Epoxy

Select an epoxy that flows easily.
Heat the epoxy bottle in hot water to allow it to thin. It makes it easier to penetrate the homemade lures and easier to mix and work with.
Heat your lures. This process will maximize the absorption of Epoxy by the lures.

However, don’t overheat them as it could potentially cause the wood to split.

You can heat them under a heat lamp, in a toaster oven, or with a heat gun.

Mix the Epoxy with denatured alcohol in a 50-50 ratio. Allow it to mix properly with just one color and texture.
Place the lure on a tray and pour the mixture on it slowly
Tiny bubbles will start to form on the lure. This is simply the lure soaking up the Epoxy and air being pushed out from it.
Please leave it to soak for about 4 to 5 minutes.
Then flip the lure over to the other side and pour the mixture on it slowly, repeating the same process.
Ensure every part of the lure gets wet with the mixture, including the pin locations, eye sockets, and so on.
Place it on a rack, leaving it to drip and dry.
After doing the same to all lures, leave them to dry. It would take about 1 to 2 days to dry thoroughly.
Don’t forget to wear a mask and work in a well-ventilated area as the fumes are dangerous.

Pros Of Sealing Homemade Lures With Epoxy

It does not take so long to dry or cure. Once it is dried, you can go ahead to paint your lures.
It makes your lure even more durable.

Cons Of Sealing Homemade Lures With Epoxy

It is time-consuming. You will have to do more work and spend more time with each of the lures.
It is more expensive
The process can be pretty messy

Method 3- Using Propionate

This is another option for sealing your handmade lures.

Unlike the two other options above, it comes in dry solid pellets, and you will have to dissolve them.

How To Seal Homemade Lures With Propionate

Prepare the pellets to be used and get two or more jars to mix the pellets and acetone.
Dissolve the pellets in 2 jars containing about ¾ acetone. The first jar should hold about 1oz of dry solid pellets, while the second should have about 2oz of dry solid pellets.
Cover it and leave it to dissolve. This initial step should take about three days or more.
After it has completely dissolved, submerge your handmade lure into the first jar of pallet and acetone mixture. Let it sit in there for about 30 minutes.
Then bring it out and allow it to dry for another 30 minutes.
After the lure is dried, ensure the surface is smooth by gently sanding it.
Submerge the lure in the jar again one or two times, leaving it to dry in between those times.
After it has completely dried, submerge it in the second jar with the higher level of pellets. This high concentration gives your lure a stronger coat.
Then turn it around several times before bringing it out and letting it dry.
Repeat this process over and over again, about 6 to 10 times.
Allow it to completely dry in a room with low humidity for best results. Voila! Your handmade lure is ready to be painted.

Pros Of Sealing Handmade Lures With Propionate

It dries quickly.
It adds to the durability of your lure without making it heavier.

Cons Of Sealing Handmade Lures With Propionate

Acetone used to dissolve the pellets is hazardous. Just make sure you wear a mask or respirator and work in a well-ventilated area.

What Tools Do I Need To Seal A Lure?

The tools you will need to seal a lure depend on the method you choose, but generally, you will need

Mixing sticks
Quality gloves
Mask or ventilator
2 or more jars
Safety google
Rags to clean spills and drips
Dehumidifier (optional) to allow proper drying if humidity is high.
A drip tray or hanger rack for drying the lures.

How Do You Seal A Lure Paint?

After painting your lure, you should seal the paint to make it waterproof and protect the paint.

You can seal it by applying Epoxy to the lures you’ve already painted. Then leave it to hang dry.

Takeaway

Once you’ve made your fishing lure, you want to ensure that you seal it.

Although it is impossible to prevent water from entering your lure entirely, the goal should be to reduce the amount of water entering inside it as much as possible.

You can follow any of the methods mentioned above. Just make sure you get your tools ready beforehand and wear the necessary protective gear to ensure your safety.