CHEAP and EASY Decoy Upgrade | Decoy Tips | Surprising Results!

Dingy or heavily weathered decoys don't always mean you need to repaint. There are other options. Watch this video and find out all about it. We're helping you to Make Your Decoys Great Again with a fast and cheap decoy upgrade. On this video Joel's Decoy Tips are centered around enhancing and upgrade the look of old decoys. He does a comparison between three spray on products that may help improve the look of your decoy. Dakota Decoy Conditioner, Krylon 1311 matte, and Rustoleum top coat dead flat. Which is best? Stick around to the end and find out!
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Joel Strickland (@mrproducersir) is a lifelong waterfowler, duck hunting guide and producer/director in the film and television industry.
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Surviving Duck Season is a first of its kind waterfowling KZbin Channel. Our team is comprised of individuals from across the country who hunt every day of duck season. On our channel we have lots of different types of content: Duck and goose hunting videos, cooking, DIY projects, reviews and suggestions on products and gear, and of course lots of tips and tactics. Every week of the year we drop at least one piece of content, so you will always have great waterfowling content to watch, at any time of the year!
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Many of you have asked what duck hunting channels we enjoy watching. Here are a few:
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Mid Valley Mercenaries
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Cherry Creek Outdoors
Duck Gun Chronicles
Tony Vandemore
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[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Tell me what you think... do you like these product comparison videos? Thanks for watching!

[@idshoot4ya]

Surviving Duck Season yes I love seeing comparisons.

[@Blue_Collar_Hunter]

Very interesting comparison.

[@FightrForLife]

Yes, these videos are very helpful!

[@aznninja6492]

Would like to know your thoughts if the decoys sprayed hold up better after the season. Less scratches or just lengthens the life of the decoy.

[@ryantaylor9448]

Well I know what I'll be doing when I'm quarantined 😂

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

May as well be productive LOL!

[@captcharlie1133]

I worked for an aerosol paint company for 25 years. I can tell you (todays costs) it costs about $1.05 to produce one can of paint from start to finish shipped out the door. $30 a can is ludicrous! Stick with a matte finish urethane in the $8-$10 range and that’s about as good as it gets. Remember a top coat will only enhance the paint underneath. If the paint is terrible it will end up looking slightly less terrible when you apply a clear over top. It’s not a cure all. And the video was awesome! 😎 thanks!

[@MrM-wk9yf]

Adding extra Clear Coat is the first thing I do when I buy Decoys , then the next Spring I spray Armor All on them and wipe it off and let dry .

[@andrewtulip7409]

I knew I wasn't the only 1 to use the spray wax idea lmao in a hard-core duck hunter in whitetail County in Pennsylvania. People think im.crazy lmao

[@richiecaelwarts7873]

I USE ARMORALL SPAY ON AND WIPE OFF WORKS GREAT

[@jdkennedy77]

I’ve used the Krylon matte for all new duck and goose decoys. I can’t speak to making them look better, I just find it makes the paint last longer and helps with color scruff and scrapes and makes them faster to clean. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Blue_Collar_Hunter]

I would also agree.

[@countryb0y3006]

I do the same thing

[@Raevenswood]

yup yup this is what I do too

[@CJDM4]

I was just about to ask about this.... Thanks bud!

[@chickgirl567]

As always, great video. I have Avian X Cans and Redheads, also Tangle free Goldeneyes. I bought these because to me they pass the eye test as having the truest colors/paint job. However, I noticed that the Avian X are easily scratched. So, I want to protect all of my decoys. I remember when I went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh that our instructors recommended and we used Krylon Crystal Clear matte finish (1311? It was thirty years ago.) for protecting our artwork. So, combining that with several waterfowl posts saying that they have been using it for years I will give it a shot. I have seen negative reviews for this product but have had only positive results myself. You definitely want to make sure that the surface is COMPLETELY dry or a milky haze will form. As with any paint job you value, it is probably wise to do a test run on a small part or in this case maybe one decoy. Thank You So Much, Mr. Strickland, Producer Sir. 🙂 You truly do feed my obsession. Hee hee this summer I am building more wetlands on my farm to add to the ones I built in 2000! Keep up the good work! You are da MAN!!! 🙂🙂🙂

[@jamesweisenhorn6373]

I have been using both the the paint brands interchangeable for a number of years. They help a lot!!

[@Roven58]

I've been using the krylon matte, very happy with it.

[@darryldelernojr.7198]

Love the old footage. Would love to see more, especially during the off season.

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Thanks!

[@woodduck635]

I used to love touching up my decoys in the off-season! A coat of satin polyurethane will help protect the color coat from heavy use. Thanks for testing these products!!! Keep the videos coming!!!!

[@jaminparker929]

The old footage was so incredible to watch. Up here in northern BC we dont get to hunt in the trees very often. More old vintage footage is a really good idea. Keep them coming.

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Thanks... will do!

[@louiscisneros2871]

I used the Rust-oleum Dead Flat work out great, I added the paint to my new decoys and at the end of the season cleaning was easy.

[@jimkeithley7910]

Nice job thanks for the awesome review. Definitely will try. Looking forward to seeing more vintage clips.

[@pault3724]

I repaint my old duck and goose decoys for waterfowl hunting season 2020. I used these colors (Kaki, Dark Brown, Flat Black and White) for the body, After it is dry I give a final spray-paint of touch up with Krylon Clear Mate. It bring the old duck and goose decoys to back to life, as new. Thank you for sharing your video !!!

[@joegreer9637]

Yes please more vintage hunts. Thanks for the video, a few cans of paint sure is a lot cheaper than new decoys.

[@BLASTER-vb5wu]

Thanks for the review! Good information for all of us. Have to agree with the troops. Old archive footage would be awesome to see. You have come a long way my friend.

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Thanks !

[@denniskrauth6457]

I have started refurbishing Canada goose decoys. Using Crylon paints. Matte clear top coats. They look good. This season we will be using them. To prove or disprove what I have done.

[@toddlarson883]

Good vid! I just give my old decoys or damaged one's to a buddy he enjoys work n on them. Any duck hunting vids are a good idea

[@jacksonlablanc2146]

They all did look better I think, just another one that does the same thing I use is a chalky finish clear coat I find at Walmart, pretty cheap too

[@blakej4452]

Thank you, I see Rustoleum spray purchase in my near future.

[@kerryharvey6415]

Yes i love the vids that give you tips keep it up

[@idshoot4ya]

That was a cool shot in the flooded timber! Let’s see more of that!

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Thanks!

[@donballard024]

Would love to see some old hunts for sure.

[@mickhuber2890]

After several dozen one and done years of decoys. I started using two coats of flat polyurethane spry on all new never used decoys. It makes a huge difference. The pant stays on, the water deeds off, the crud washes right off and its cheap protection. Like your stuff, the wader repair information was great. That 3M marine adhesive is the bomb. Thanks

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Mick Hub that’s good info. I might need to try it out this year.

[@coldfridayduckcamp2457]

Very useful and informative video. I will be doing this to new and old decoys before next season. Please compile some of your old footage and make full length movie/videos. For some reason I prefer watching old hunting footage to new HD footage. It definitely adds something to the watching experience - I guess nostalgia - that is lost with perfectly clear HD footage. My favorite waterfowl videos to watch are the first 5 Duck Commander videos. They have an old feel to them when watched and have all aspects of the hunt included. Not just loud music and kill shots. Really love your videos - you are very talented. Please keep them coming.

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Thank you very much!

[@williammlane8303]

This was a great video. I am going to do my decoys in prep for this fall

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JohnDaniel-id1rk]

Yes would like to see some of your old hunts

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

More coming!

[@mushercdn]

More old classic stuff, please. Thanks forcthe video.

[@dennisshults3172]

Yes please more vintage great viewing

[@gunguru7020]

Vaseline or Armor All works great. Really makes the colors pop again

[@jacobguthriefowledup8623]

Please post some old videos. I love watching them!!! Love your Channel!!

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Thank you!

[@echosierra9990]

I just got some black duck decoys, and the first thing I did, was to coat the decoys with some rustoleum clear matte. I figure it’s easier to protect them when they’re brand new, so they last longer.

[@shawnbrown8792]

I want to see some hunts with the g&h decoys. Best decoy ever.

[@jessecampbell7432]

Good one joel!

[@jeffyoung5797]

Really enjoy the tips and videos

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Thanks Jeff!

[@joshcerasale9502]

Absolutely bring out your older videos!

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

More to come!

[@Hawk-fj4re]

Yeah I like to see some more of your old footage I used the krylon and I didn't like the finish

[@b.r.1756]

During this last season I repainted an old decoy into a spoony drake, sprayed a few coats of the Krylon Matte Finish, and it really makes it pop. I love that stuff.

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Nothin' like having a luck "boot-lip" decoy!

[@b.r.1756]

@@SurvivingDuckSeason You know that's right

[@terrycook3710]

Cool video. More old hunting videos would be great

[@nickb8618]

I use rustoleum clear matte works great

[@daneplaisted2076]

Lets see the old stuff!!!

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Right on!

[@avidwaterfowler7522]

I use the flat clear Coat on decoys. The paint lasts way longer when you do it.

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Yeah I've heard other's say that too. I've never tried it on new decoys. I might have to try it out next season.

[@jdkennedy77]

Avid Water fowler x2. Agree completely!

[@teekay1785]

yes I want to see the old hunts

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Thanks

[@FightrForLife]

I've used the Krylon clearcoat with pretty good success. Something I've found is that if it is humid, or the decoy is still wet or gets wet during the process, it will glaze over. If this happens, just let it dry and apply another coat over it in better conditions and it will clear right up! Had this happen to several GHG shovelers, I was really disappointed until I got back around to spraying them again. I also find it helps with paint retention on some of my more easily scratched decoys (GHG, Higdon, those with hard surfaces instead of the softer EVA plastic).

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

thanks for the info!

[@Raevenswood]

my experience is to spray the krylon matte clear coat on brand new decoys and they will last longer.

[@coltencarlson6984]

Great video, I wouldn’t use any of those products on my dekes. I enjoy painting and flocking my dekes during the boring months.

[@gooseflatwaterfowlers]

A good way to keep decoys I’m condition is to wash them off as much as you can after hunts and put Armor All protectant on there it really makes them pop.

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Thanks for the tip!

[@hankandrews9051]

I wondered about that decoy conditioner... I won't be buying that! Thanks for the comparison and please show more of your old duck hunts!

[@DrakeMiester]

I tried the Krylon Matte finish years ago on some decoys,wasn't impressed at all. Ive found the low shine protectant used on automobile interiors to work the best,last quite a while before more is needed to be applied.

[@TheMarchSouth]

Honestly i think you should also talk about how you set up and why too like a hunt post game meeting.

[@jasoncampbell4723]

Rustoleum. By far,hands down the best!!! HeHeHe

[@rippinlipstv6486]

I’m from Arkansas too

[@propellingimagery3776]

I have used the Krylon before... worked like a charm. Unfortunately I put multiple coats on a couple of my decoys (thinking they needed a little more) and ended up with a kind of odd sheen on them. It wasn't a big deal because the decoys were almost unusable before, but just keep in mind any improvement is still improvement. Don't go overboard.

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Yeah, I noticed that they started getting a little shiny if I did more that 2 coats.

[@southcoonbansheeoutdoors]

I use the Krylon matte on my Hardcore Waterfowl decoys. Results are great! #hunthardcore #scbansheeoutdoors #waterfowlwasted

[@rufasgutz7656]

Yes please I jus wish I had taken the camera to the blind with my grandpa he was blind as a bat but damn that old man could kill ducks. There is always a seat reserved in my blind for him I miss him so bad he taught all I know about shooting ducks. Seeing that footage brings back all those great times so please show more if you have them as there must be more like me. Thank you

[@wyatt1941]

I think tire shine may be a product to try, may not last long but repels mud and water and defidenty darkens colors

[@FirePirate099]

Old duck footage would be great to see. 👍. As far as spraying clear coat on my decoys- nope 👎 not for me. I know they are “matte” or “flat” finish but, I’d be terrified that they would make the decoys too shiny. Never seen a shiny live duck in real life.

[@Dunckelspeil]

Just wondering how the Rust-oleum held up this season? My worry was chipping or cracking...in which case the Armorall product sounds better?

[@kraigkaatz6858]

I clean my decoys or try to clean them before every season.... the Krypton will become a regular part of this process.

[@jacobyrussell1532]

I like taking a can of flat black or gray and spray my decoys good then when it's still wet take a paper towel and wipe it lightly leaves it in the grooves and it looks good and works fyi to new hunters stay away from shiny decoys when you buy new ones rub them with mud and wash it off shine is bad

[@katjones4840]

.., ok so I needed up here from makeup videos so take this with a grain of salt. But maybe try a satin finish vs matte. 🌸

[@jwrees57]

Krylon seemed pretty good to me. Is flocking an option for decoys that dont have flocking? Nice old video we need it now more than ever

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Yes you can flock decoys whether they were before or not. I'm planning on doing a video about it later this year.

[@clinte9897]

Probably a better to use this stuff before they get like that to protect the paint from UV and chips. Thank you

[@coreysmith6518]

I'd love to see some of the older hunts when ducks were actually prevalent.

[@bmead4262]

For all of you that hunt where there is a lot of coots paint all your Weathered and old decoys black . The black on the water will bring birds down. Then you can work them . Don’t be afraid to put out 2doz coots and only 6 ducks decoy, and the teal love to buzz coots. And don’t be afraid to buy those cheap decoys on clearance and paint them black. This little trick can really change it up for you

[@teekay1785]

I have used the flat clear coat as well as satin finish in past but I thought even the flat made them too shiny and later when UV became the thing to talk about I wonder what the topcoats do with that. You can also actually condition with something like armor all . What I end up doing is scrub with a more stiff brush than you use shaped kinda like an Iron and Ajax or similar abrasive cleaner and rinse and armor all if you want.

[@teekay1785]

Look better to me or the ducks ? Who knows.

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

I recognized that if I put too many coats of the flat, it began to look shinny. I also thought about the UV thing too. Not sure how that may or may not affect the birds in regards to UV. Thanks for the comments!

[@TheSolodevildog]

Older hunts would be great

[@stevem6255]

I paint my decoys when they need a complete paint job and touch ups. I will also take my old mallard decoys paint them the color scheme of other ducks I’m targeting and the clear coat with Krylon like you used on this video and yes play more of your older videos thanks for doing your video series on duck hunting it has helped me improve my hunting skills

[@thedriveinopera8889]

The degradation of the color saturation is most likely caused by UV exposure, which will fade most any coating, especially UV curables. As a 30--year veteran of the print industry I can tell you that :A) sunlight, especially over water will fade almost any paint/coating, and B) restoring the gloss level can help. Some. Clear coating them will restore some of the color, but might defeat the purpose of flocking. Might be a descent idea to try clear coating them BEFORE use to help prevent UV degradation.

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Thanks for the good info!

[@wagner1562]

Bryan "Mud Duck" Medlock ----- Yes I would say post some old hunts. I just ran up on your videos the last few days. you remind me of a guy on a show, I believe it was called adventure bound outdoors. Any way I Love to duck hunt been hunting here in Arkansas my whole life mostly public ground hunts

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

AdventureBound Outdoors! Yep, that was me 👍🏻

[@wagner1562]

@@SurvivingDuckSeason What ever happened to that show/ It was one of my favorites! The main man (I guess) he came to my church's sportsman banquet one year and spoke. What part of Ark are you in?

[@jamesallen4855]

Yes more hunting

[@daneplaisted2076]

I dont see any reason not to do it for the price. I think they will shine on the wayer better too.

[@WhatupG]

I haven't tried it, but have heard of guys using spray on tire wet/tire shine ….

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

Yeah, same with me. I'll have to give it a try.

[@davidspeicher4890]

Can the ducks really tell the difference when they are flying in? Old School people used to use carved decoys that don't look near as good as our current decoys.

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

That's the real question! Late season, stale ducks on a cloudy day... maybe. But you're right, I've shot ducks with pretty bad looking decoys (or no decoys). I think for me it's about just having good looking decoys.

[@jeremykennedy9124]

I use the flat clear on all of my decoys and the older the better for the hunts the good old days please

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

right on!

[@jeremykennedy9124]

Can't wait

[@jdkennedy77]

Jeremy Kennedy I use the flat matte Krylon. It works. Also, I’m a Kennedy, too. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@ericweber7707]

Yep post old footage 👍🏻👍🏻

[@johncutillo6220]

What would under armour do on decoys

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

I've heard of guys using armor-all on their decoys and like it. I've never tried it.

[@basshatstv76]

My overthinking butt is worried about the decoys glaring with that finish on there??? Im also a dummy so that’s just my concern lol

[@levikoepke657]

Send some vintage footage

[@mikeholston9263]

I clean decoys with WD40

[@michaelwells6379]

I wouldn’t

[@naimliss4488]

Yes please do some unique hunt videos. The longer content the better. There are only a handful of waterfowl content creators on KZbin with good videography. It's way too over saturated with self filmed, go pro hunters it's tough to sort through all the bad stuff to find the gold.

[@SurvivingDuckSeason]

right on!

[@018132]

First