Softbaitfishing Cristallo STP Hard – plastisol (1 L)
Code: STP006Related products
Product detailed description
Cristallo STP Hard in the 1 L bottle is the firmest floating plastisol in the STP range for making soft baits. Use it for firmer constructions and especially for adjusting blend firmness with softer STP grades. It is useful when a larger profile needs a firmer body, for example in sea fishing or stronger current. Choose the grade and blend ratio for the bait shape and the movement you want.
Hard is a plastisol that can be blended with other STP firmness grades. In our workshop, Medium + Hard is a useful combination when Medium alone is not firm enough. A lower proportion of Hard keeps the result softer; a higher proportion makes the blend firmer. Test each new ratio on a small batch and check the action of thin sections too.
The entire Cristallo STP range has a floating base, across all firmness grades. Buoyancy is a property of the material itself, so the base mixture does not need floating powder. In our range, this distinguishes STP from standard SaBoFlex, for which we prepare floating recipes using a buoyancy additive. The buoyancy of the finished bait also depends on additives, the hook and any added weight.
After correct initial processing, uncoloured STP is very clear. This is useful for transparent patterns and clear bellies, as well as for keeping light-coloured and white recipes clean in appearance. It also tolerates repeated remelting well. In our workshop, careful processing has allowed approximately ten reheats while retaining good clarity. Results depend on the temperature, heating time and recipe; the material cannot be remelted indefinitely.
Initial preparation and heating
- Before pouring any portion, thoroughly mix the entire cold contents of the bottle, including the bottom. Components can separate during storage, and shaking alone may not be enough. Do not pour off only the thin upper layer. To incorporate sediment, we recommend the SAF Mixer for a cordless drill, which we have checked for fit in the 1 L STP bottle we supply. Start at low speed to loosen the sediment at the bottom. Then gradually increase the speed and mix thoroughly until the entire contents have a uniform, milky consistency, with no separate layers or unmixed sediment. Keep the mixing head submerged and adjust the speed to avoid splashing and unnecessary air bubbles.
- Continue stirring after transferring the mixture to a heating container. Our workshop experience shows that STP can separate again quickly, including during the early stages of heating. A thicker layer may form at the bottom while the rest of the mixture has a different consistency. At each pause in heating, stir the full volume, including the material at the bottom, rather than just the liquid at the top. Use a suitable dry stirring tool in the heating container; we recommend the SAF Mixer here for preparing the cold mixture in the bottle beforehand.
- When using a microwave, work in short heating cycles and stir after every cycle. During the first stage, we use roughly one minute as an upper guide at SAF; check earlier as needed for the amount, microwave power and temperature. Use shorter cycles for small batches, higher power settings and towards the end of heating. For initial heating, we recommend a maximum of 180 °C in the SAF workshop. For casting, our best results come at around 170 °C; keep the final reheats at approximately 175 °C or below. Towards the end, shorten each cycle further, stir the full volume frequently and check the temperature after mixing. Even heating without unnecessary temperature spikes helps preserve clarity and good casting behaviour. Around 200 °C is a critical upper limit. A brief spike towards this temperature need not mean immediate damage, but leaves very little margin against overheating. Do not aim for it or exceed it. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific material and container.
- During initial processing, the mixture thickens and gels; this is a normal stage. Between heating cycles, stir slowly to incorporate thicker areas until the whole batch is fully processed. The finished uncoloured base should be uniformly clear, liquid and free of persistent unprocessed lumps. Work with effective ventilation and suitable eye and hand protection.
Stir thoroughly before using an infrared thermometer. It reads the surface temperature, which may be lower than that of the material at the bottom. First stir the entire volume slowly, including the bottom, then immediately measure the exposed plastisol surface rather than through the cup wall. A surface reading alone does not guarantee the temperature throughout the batch; a suitable contact thermometer can be used to check it.
A SAF workshop tip for regular bait making
If you cast regularly, you can fully process a larger quantity of clear base in advance, let it cool and set, then cut off and remelt only the pieces you need for your next session. This saves you from repeatedly incorporating sediment and carrying out the initial processing of the original liquid mixture.
This is an optional workshop tip. You can equally prepare just the amount you need each time from a thoroughly mixed bottle. Process a full 1 L bottle in batches suited to your container and heating method. Keep the solidified base clean, dry and labelled with its firmness grade. Continue stirring and checking the temperature when remelting.
Blending firmness grades and fine-tuning your recipe
Firmness grades within the Cristallo STP range can be blended with one another. The easiest starting point is to combine neighbouring grades, such as Super Soft + Soft, Soft + Medium or Medium + Hard. You can also incorporate clean, sound leftovers from more widely separated grades; the greater the difference, the more important it is to make a small test casting.
For your own recipe, try for example 70% Medium + 30% Soft by volume: 700 ml Medium and 300 ml Soft. Thoroughly homogenise each original cold plastisol, including its sediment, before measuring out portions. Mix the combined batch again, record the ratio and assess the result only after it has fully cooled. A mixing ratio does not guarantee a specific firmness grade.
For finer adjustments, we also offer Softbaitfishing Plastisol Hardener and Softbaitfishing Plastisol Softener STP FLOATING from the same manufacturer. The hardener moves the blend towards a firmer body, while the softener provides greater suppleness and more delicate action. These are additives, not complete plastisol bases. Incorporate them into the cold, thoroughly mixed base before heating; follow the dosage and mixing instructions on the specific product page. Start with a small test and check the finished bait’s action, durability and buoyancy. Additives do not replace proper incorporation of the original sediment.
Clear surface coating and choosing firmness
The clear STP base can also be used for clear dip coating (lamination) of soft baits: after attaching the eyes, dip the finished bait into heated, uncoloured plastisol and let it cool. The transparent layer covers the eyes while allowing the original colours and details to show through. In our workshop experience, this coating does not turn white even after several hours in water.
As a rough guide for coating in our workshop, we use Super Soft for smaller baits up to about 8–10 cm, Soft for approximately 10–16 cm, and Medium for larger baits around 15–30 cm. These are guides for the surface layer based on our methods, rather than fixed size limits for casting. Soft can also be used for larger baits, depending on the desired softness and surface durability. You can fine-tune firmness by blending grades within the STP range; test any new ratio on a small sample first.
STP Hard plastisol FAQ
Will the finished bait always float?
The STP base itself is floating in every firmness grade. Additives, the hook and added weight also affect the buoyancy of the finished bait. Test its behaviour with your specific recipe and rig.
Is mixing the bottle enough before simply heating it?
No. During the first processing, also stir the contents of the heating container: in our workshop, the components can separate again quickly. Pay attention to the bottom and any thicker areas of the mixture.
What if I cannot mix in the sediment at the bottom?
If a heavily hardened layer remains and cannot be incorporated, contact us at SAF before processing the material further. Do not add thinner or softener as a substitute for proper mixing.
Do I need to prepare the whole bottle in advance?
No. You can prepare only the amount needed for your current session. Making a clear base in advance is our optional tip for those who want to avoid repeating the preparation of the original mixture on future bait-making days. Stirring and temperature checks are still needed when remelting.
Is STP suitable for beginners?
Yes, provided you allow for thorough preparation and controlled heating. If you prefer quicker preparation, also consider SaBoFlex, which has worked well for us at SAF in this respect.
→ You will find all detailed technical information in the Product parameters table below.
↓ Below the product description, you will also find related and similar products to help you choose and put together a complete setup.
Additional parameters
| Category: | Plastisol for soft bait making |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 1 kg |
| Elasticity: | HARD |
| Phthalates: | 0 % |
| Warranty: | 2 years |
| Product range: | Cristallo STP |
| Pack volume: | 1 L |
| Base buoyancy: | Floating |
| Appearance after full processing: | Clear |
Product rating
Be the first who will post an article to this item!
Discussion
Be the first who will post an article to this item!