Here is what I do to repaint AC Minnows in what I call a Purple Rainbow pattern. I use Testor's enamel spray paints that can be purchased at most hobby shops. You don't need an airbrush to get good results. The first time I painted one of these it came out great.

1) Remove hooks and split rings. No need to take the hinged section apart. I also prefer not to remove the screw eyes that hold the hooks.

2) Remove the existing paint/coating down to bare wood with 60 to 80 grit sandpaper. It takes a little elbow grease, but works. You can use paint removers, but you need to be careful with that stuff. It burns the skin.

3) Sand entire bait with 100 grit sandpaper.

4) Use strips of masking tape to completely cover the bill. With a Slammer you will need to mask the eyes also. Keep the masking tape on until all painting is complete.

5) Hang the bait with a wire coat hanger through the screw eye on the nose of the bait.

6) Spray paint entire bait with two light coats of white primer. Let dry overnight.

7) While bait is hanging, spray both sides of bait using purple Testor's. Don't worry about overspray yet. Let dry for about 15 minutes to 1 hour before the next step.

8) While bait is hanging, spray dorsal side with black or dark green. This is where you need to be careful with overspray onto the sides. Vertical strokes with the spray can about 12-inches away will do the job. However, you do want some overspay onto the sides to blend the two colors together. Let dry as in step #7.

9) Spray belly of bait with white as in step #8. Let bait dry overnight.

10) Apply spots along sides of bait as desired using Testor's black paint marking pen. The body of the bait needs to be dry to touch at least, because at this point you need to hold the bait. For the eyes on a AC Minnow I first use a gold paint marker to paint a 1/4-inch ball, then follow-up 15 minutes later with a black pen for the iris. Let dry.

11) For the final coat I use a 2-part epoxy finish called "Aristocrat". It doesn't melt the paint finish. Follow product directions carefully for best results. I apply this with a 1-inch throw away type brush. Hang the bait back on the wire hanger and let dry. If you mixed the epoxy carefully the bait will dry overnight. This stuff really provides a tough, hook resistant finish.