For lure dippers who use DiamondFinish Clear repeatedly, transfer a working amount into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. This is an exception to the normal rule of never dipping from the original can. This guide covers how to set up and maintain a lure-dipping jar for long-term storage and multiple sessions.
Setting Up Your Dipping Jar
Proper setup is the foundation for successful long-term storage:
- Choose the right container size. Buy the smallest DiamondFinish Clear size that fits your expected use. A smaller container is easier to protect from moisture than a large one opened repeatedly.
- Prepare a clean glass jar. Use a clean, completely dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Drying is critical; any residual water will contaminate the coating.
- Transfer DiamondFinish Clear carefully. Stir the coating in the original can, then pour a working amount into the glass jar. Transfer what you expect to use across multiple sessions, not the whole can.
- Reseal the original can. Use a plastic zip-lock bag between the lid and can to prevent metal-to-metal contact. Seal immediately after transfer.
- Avoid pouring old coating back. Never pour unused dipping jar coating back into the original can. The dipping jar material may have picked up moisture or contamination.
Storage and Resealing Technique
This is where discipline pays off. Every reseal affects how long your coating stays usable:
- Minimize open time during dipping. Work in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment. Keep the glass jar open only while actively dipping. Close it during pauses between lures.
- Use KBS Paint Saver. Before closing the glass jar, hold the lid and plastic closely above the opening. Spray KBS Paint Saver toward the side of the jar for 2 seconds (quart or smaller) or 4 seconds (gallon container). Close the lid immediately.
- Place painter's plastic under the lid. Make sure a piece of painter's plastic lies flat across the opening before installing the lid. This improves the seal and prevents cured coating from bonding the lid to the glass jar.
- Store in cool, dry conditions. Keep the sealed jar and original container in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes.
Maintaining Your Dipping Jar
Over time, solvent may evaporate and the coating may thicken:
If DiamondFinish Clear thickens: Add KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene in small amounts and stir thoroughly until the coating returns to dipping consistency. Do not use ordinary solvents that may contain moisture.
Do not mix old and new: Never combine coating from the dipping jar with fresh coating from a new original can. Older coating may have absorbed moisture that reduces pot life of the new material.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lure-Dipping Storage
Can I keep DiamondFinish Clear in a glass jar for lure dipping?
Yes. For repeated lure dipping, transfer part of the DiamondFinish Clear into a clean, completely dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Keep it in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment.
How long does DiamondFinish Clear last after opening?
DiamondFinish Clear typically remains usable for about six months after opening when the directions for use and storage are followed. Actual storage life depends on how much moisture and contamination enter the container.
What should I put between the lid and glass jar?
Place a piece of painter's plastic between the glass jar and its lid before closing. This improves the seal, prevents the lid from sticking, and helps protect the coating from oxygen and moisture damage.
Should I use KBS Paint Saver when storing lure-dipping DiamondFinish Clear?
Yes. Use KBS Paint Saver every time you reseal the dipping jar. Spray for two seconds on quart or smaller containers, and four seconds on gallon containers. This protects the coating from oxygen and moisture damage between sessions.
Conclusion
Lure dippers get the best results from DiamondFinish Clear by keeping a working supply in a sealed glass jar with proper protection. With painter's plastic, KBS Paint Saver, and minimal exposure to air, the coating stays fresh for six months or more. For complete application guidance, see the directions.