[QUOTE=Jigman][QUOTE=afterhours]
I agree, if the blank is properly sealed before the paint, you are ok. Some of the first plugs I did, I fully encased them in epoxy. Unfortunately, I did not seal them. Once I got a crack, they were junk
The other problem that could happen is that once they crack, you allow water in, but maybe not out as easily. Changes the weight of the plug, and the action. That said, I still prefer handcarves or crankbaits that are fully enclosed. Bomber types, for example, seem to work better that way.
IMO, if you use AYC, you don't have to seal and don't have the cracking/swelling/peeling problem. I have never sealed my AYC plugs I turn and have never had a paint problem.