how do I lightly stain blanks, before clearcoat, to bring out the grain?without changing the color too much?

1. minwax pre stain..helps get rid of the blotchies in the wood.
2.Dry Wipe the stain on.. ...don't give the wood time to soak up to much stain.

stay tuned.
txs steve:)

Man Mike, you don't waste any time! :bl:

Man Mike, you don't waste any time! :bl:

from mailbox to epoxy in ten minutes. no time to waste.
the bottom grey one is gonna be the flag for plug night.
the other four are mine..
the bottom one mac made me.

Can't wait to see more....have not seen many "Freaked-Out" plugs lately! :jump:

:cheers:

purple on top

:kewl: Love the flames.....tastey looking paint jobs!

sweet work mike

FF - I see some more great scles on those darkies!!

black. black. black.....



start with black, really makes them pop out:)

I'd go with longer swivels on those belly hooks , looks like they're barely sticking through, paint looks sweet. johnny

I'd go with longer swivels on those belly hooks , looks like they're barely sticking through, paint looks sweet. johnny


talk to bigfish larry on that one. he's the carpenter. i'm just the painter. :faga:

I like having the barrell of the swivel at least half way through the belly hole , gives it plenty of swing and movement .... :kewl: johnny

I prefer the swivel be tucked up inside....I use split rings and the hooks get more than enough room to move from them...the swivel is for swiveling. All my plugs are like this and I have no trouble...to each his own I guess. The old plugs that use hook hangers work the same way and don't hang down that much.

I agree with BF - I think the strike and hookset is more positive using the split rings. Also use VMC hooks or hooks that have a closed eye. No more lost fish because the musta... hooks snap off! :smokin: :lossinit: