Finishing a custom float??

[Catmandu]

Hey Guys
Hopefully someone can help me out. I pumped out some custom floats on my own. I am now ready to paint and seal the bodies and posts. What kind of paint should I use?? I assume there is a special waterproof type? What do I seal the float with?? Do I seal the float first, then dip for waterline, then seal again?? I would hate to screw them up at this point using the wrong stuff!! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Cat
Soon on my way to lay a WHOOPPIN on some Manistees!

[Bluefin]

I usually seal my floats before I put color on them. Any good clear urethane varnish should work. The best way is to thin the varnish down so it will soak into the balsa and then dip the entire float. I then push the bottom stem into a block of foam to allow it to dry. If you hang them upside down, the varnish may sag to the top stem making it too thick from the build up. Also, if the varnish is too thin you may need to put on a second coat. After the first coat is dry, fine steel wool will remove the "fuzzies" that almost always show up from the shaping process. Once you acheive the clear finish you want, dip or spray the top portion of the float with a base of white to achieve your "water line" and color "cap". Finish with flourescent yellow or orange. Be sure to use the same brand and type of paint for your color coats as some paints are not compatible with others. You should test several on a piece of scrap wood to be sure. Also test the paint on the varnish as some paints may not coat properly or may lift the varnish. Hope this helps.

[ReininBows]

Wow Bluefin,,,,,,,,I learned somethin today at least ;) You are like too efficient man LOL sell me some floats buddy :p

[Bluefin]

RB,

I only make them in small batches as I need them. Never have enough time to mass produce them although I have thought about it.

[Craydaddy]

http://www.fishontario.com/articles/making-your-own-floats/index.html

You can thank FloatFisher for that one! ;)

[ReininBows]

Well maybe ya should think about it, or scwew all them and just sell ta me LOL :p

[Green Hornet]

. dip or spray the top portion of the float with a base of white to achieve your "water line" and color "cap".

This question is probably Float Making 101 but her it goes:

How do you know where to paint the water line??? :confused:
Doesn't each float's "water line" depend on the amount of shot it is capable of holding??? :confused:
Do you test them with a certain amount of weight???

Thanks for the info

[ReininBows]

Do ya really think that factory made tests each one?

[floatfisher]

Blue - Have you ever tried using glow in the dark paint??? I am thinking about using glow orange if it is bright enough for day use aswell. I need a good night float, so why not make it my self. I am also putting the finishing touches on mine this weekend.

Thanks cray, at least I am good for something!!!:D
Did you get my PM???

[Craydaddy]

Yup, Float you got mail!

[Bluefin]

My floats are all tested in the field. No two are ever exactly the same. Generally, if the float is tear drop in shape, color the top portion to the widest point on the body. I make a lot of floats that are narrow with sides that are almost parallel and paint only about the top 25 to 30 percent. The narrow profile makes for a very sensitive float and I also use wire for the bottom stem on most of my floats for better tracking. Once they hit the water, I keep adding weight until it rides the way I want it. The floats that are rated for X amount of weight aren't necessary as conditions are going to dictate what size float to use and how to setup your shot pattern underneath. If you use the same size float and rig everytime out, you will miss a lot of amazing fish. That's why you should heed the signature line at the bottom of my posts.

[tod]

Blue is exactly right you need to adjust your size and shape of float for the conditions you face and at times you may need to change many times through out the day. Currents and flows dictate shot patterns and float shape.

[Craydaddy]

I know this is not a custon float thing but can you repaint plastic floats?????? I like the skinny drennan floats for Erie but they come with a yellow top. I like the orange top that come on the bigger ones. What kind of paint could I use??

[tod]

I sure their are a lot of more qualified opinions than mine, with that said I have had good luck with a paint called odds and ends- it comes in small jars and as it so happens is available at my neighborhood hardware store.

[Bluefin]

Cray,

Blackbird makes a Phantom with orange top in a 2 gram 3 inch by 7/16 inch diameter that you may like. They work great in certain situations but are very tough to see on a long drift.

[the happy salmon]

i dont care what floats u use... whatever works for you! whatever water level, size of float, or whatever!!!! whatever it takes to catch fish!!!! nobody has the perfect answer......... whatever will catch you fish!!!!! :D