Powder Coating

[ted_dent]

I have never swished new cast slugs nor have I ever heated a batch before hand, never seen the use for it as I've never had a bad cook with new slugs.

Some powders like Tool Blue are pretty much idiot proof (not referring to you ) so they will give good coverage no matter what technique you use. However, some colours just don't want to stick as well (must have something to do with the colouring compounds) so pre-heating helps to get better coverage. I refer to it as micro-melting as the powders start to melt once they come into contact with the heated bullets even before swirling them builds up the static to increase adhesion. I actually have a jar of powder made specifically for coating fishing jig heads (came with some jig moulds I bought off a guy) and the instructions specifically note that the heads should be pre-heated before swirling them.

 

[boxhitch]

I guess the pre-heat temp must be important to not have any globs form and yet enough for a smooth coat of powder?
Tried 'warm' without success

 

[Helka]

Mine are hotter than warm. Not so hot I can hold them in my hand for an extended period of time.

 

[ted_dent]

Mine are hotter than warm. Not so hot I can hold them in my hand for an extended period of time.

I know it's subjective but that seems to be the optimum temperature. If they're so hot I have to drop them that's too hot. If they're just warm without being uncomfortably hot they're too cool. I would guess somewhere in the 120-130 degrees is what to aim for. I put mine in a tray on top of the toaster oven. It only takes maybe 3-4 minutes to get up to the optimal temperature.

 

[yomomma]

and the instructions specifically note that the heads should be pre-heated before swirling them.

Jig heads don't usually use the static method of application.

The thickness of paint is not an issue either.

They heat the jig heads hot enough to melt the powder onto it then finish cure in an oven.

A fluid bed is also used to apply the powder

 

[ted_dent]

Jig heads don't usually use the static method of application.

The thickness of paint is not an issue either.

They heat the jig heads hot enough to melt the powder onto it then finish cure in an oven.

A fluid bed is also used to apply the powder

This powder was for homemade jigs, not commercial. It came in really small bottles (maybe one or two oz.) and specifically referred to swirling them after heating. I used the powder up (should have kept a bottle for reference). One of the colours was fluorescent green which I haven't had much luck with using the shake & bake method but with this powder & pre-heating it worked quite well. I wish I could get more but the bottles were quite old (I'm guessing 20+ years) so I don't know if the company is even still in business.