r/lurebuilding

If you use flat stencils on anything with compound curves, you already know the struggle -- they lift off the body and overspray bleeds

underneath. You end up with soft, blurry edges no matter how careful you are.

The game changer for me was switching to contoured stencils that actually match the lure profile. They sit flush against the surface so

there are no gaps for overspray to sneak through. Night and day difference on tight patterns like scales or lateral lines.

Some tips that have helped me get the best results:

• Light coats, multiple passes -- don't try to blast full opacity in one shot. Build it up and let the stencil do the work.

• Hold it firm -- even a contoured stencil needs consistent contact. A small piece of painters tape on the ends helps if you don't have

a third hand.

• Clean between colors -- paint buildup on the stencil edge kills your crispness fast. Quick wipe with solvent between passes keeps

things sharp.

• Low PSI (12-18) -- lower pressure means less force trying to push paint under the edges.

I've been getting mine from CJ's Custom Stencils -- they make them contoured to specific lure profiles so they snap right on. Worth

checking out if you're tired of fighting flat stencils on curved baits.

Anyone else have tips for getting clean stencil lines on curved surfaces? Always looking to learn.