I do like to tinker, and I enjoy testing new plug designs during the season. Almost all of my plugs made this time of year are barely fish-worthy; most are turned, sealed, painted and tested/fished within one day. Most require rattle cans or black magic marker repairs every-other trip.
The reason for all the questions is because I would like to be able to create an attractive, durable finish for give-aways.
Thank you for the good info here for "properly" finishing a plug. I've learned that I haven't been scuffing between the important layers. I probably haven't been letting hardwoods soak in Helmsman long enough. I'm sure I haven't been allowing enough time to dry between most coats. I haven't been heat-setting the Createx (and I have probably over-thinned the pearls, and with water instead of airbrush medium).
Once I have the finish I'm satisfied with, the easiest way possible, I'll call that "my" system...at least for that wood type.
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