Fowl Foolers Launch Pad
Waterfowl Kit Building Instructions
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Skip to a specific step:
1. Cover Decoy Body with Burlap
2. Paint Decoy Head
3. Paint Decoy Body
4. Add Keel & Head to Body
5. Enjoy!
1. Cover Decoy Body with Burlap
Step 1: Dip wood block in adhesive, then insert into body, making sure the block is flush with the bottom of the body.
Step 2: Apply adhesive to the entire decoy body.
Step 3: Apply larger burlap piece starting in the top middle of the body, then apply adhesive over the burlap. Be sure to leave enough burlap in front so that it can wrap around to the bottom of the decoy.
Step 4: Next fold each flap down around the side of the body to the underside.
Step 5: Ensure all flaps are pressed flat to the decoy body and all wrinkles have been eliminated.
Step 6: Apply the small, bottom burlap piece and cover the seam between the two burlap pieces well.
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Step 7: Smooth the adhesive around the entire body to create an nice finished look.
Step 8: Let adhesive dry. If using Fowl Foolers™ Adhesive, let the burlapped decoy body dry in a well-ventilated area for 24 hours before handling or painting. If using another adhesive brand, follow that brand's specific drying instructions.
2. Paint Decoy Head
Step 1: Check to ensure eye holes are bored. If they are not, use 11/64" bit to bore each eye hole.
Step 2: Recommended but not required: Drill #10-sized screw into 2x4 or wider wood block.
Step 3: Recommended but not required:
Twist decoy head on screw to use as a stand for painting.
Step 4: Prime the head with an etching primer to ensure the topcoat paint adheres effectively.
Step 5: Paint the head per your preference and waterfowl species. Generally, a head will start with 1-2 different base coat colors, and then the fine finished detail is added with an artist brush.
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Note: Ensure you are using a paint designed for outdoor use. And if you are using the decoys in salt water, find a paint durable for such conditions.
Step 6: Let paint dry. Follow the drying instructions per the specific paint used.
Note: While most paint dries in a few hours, it generally takes about 3 weeks to fully cure, so handle your decoys with care initially for best long-term results.
Step 7: After painting, insert eyes on either side of head. They should be able to be pressed in with your thumb but if not, gently use a nail punch.
3. Paint Decoy Body
Step 1: Position decoy body on an adequate platform for effective painting. It is easiest to paint the top first and let that dry before painting the bottom.
Step 2: Paint the body per your preference and waterfowl species. Generally, a body will start with 1-2 different base coat colors, and then the fine finished detail is added with an artist brush or stencil.
Note: Since burlap is so porous, it is easiest to use spray paint or a thick bristled brush to apply the base coat.
Step 3: Let paint dry. Follow the drying instructions per the specific paint used.
Note: While most paint dries in a few hours, it generally takes about 3 weeks to fully cure, so handle your decoys with care initially for best long-term results.
4. Add Keel & Head to Body
Step 1: Find the indentation for the head hole located on the underside of the body. Place the keel over the indentation and then screw the 6 in. screw through both.
Step 3: Once the prongs indent the burlap, there is no way to remove the holes, so be sure you are happy with the head angle before you tighten fully. Depending on how much adhesive was used during the burlapping, it may be necessary to wiggle the head as you do the final tightening to ensure that it penetrates fully.
Step 2: The 6 in. screw will stick out the top of the body. Place the receiving boss of the decoy head on the tip of the screw at whatever angle you want the head to sit on the body. Using a drill, slowly tighten the screw into the head. Doing this will bring the head closer to the body, until the 5 prongs penetrate the burlapped body.
Step 4: Flip the decoy body back over to the bottom. Position the keel so it is straight along the middle of the body. Then use the 4 in. screw to tighten it through the hole and into the wood block embedded in the decoy body.
Your Fowl Foolers decoy is now complete!