So, what's the point? The point is YOU can do the same thing if you're willing to put in some time and effort. I see guys every year spending hundreds, or thousands of dollars on new decoys. If you will simply learn to paint your own decoys you can save a few bucks in that area and apply them somewhere else. Money doesn't grow on trees.
You don't think you can put in all the cool details? You don't have to. You can kill ducks just fine with much simpler pant jobs than this one. And, if you learn to use an airbrush you can get through birds pretty quickly. I blocked in the base colors first, then airbrushing the details on this hen took me less than 15 minutes per bird. You can use a brush to do the same thing, it'll just take a little longer. BUT, the bottom line is for the vast majority of your hunting you don't need a super fancy paint job. Put your decoy down on the ground ad back off 30 yards and see how much detail you can still see. I do the detail work because I think they look cool, not because I think I have to have it.
If you buy better quality decoys to start, then learn how to paint, that's even better. Learn to paint and touch up birds and never again will chipping pant be much of a concern to you. :tu
This bird was done...except for the orange on the bill...totally with Rustoleum flat white, black and brown. The orange is a flat marine enamel from Lock Stock and Barrel (orange #20). There is MAYBE 75 cents into the paint. Maybe.
![Image](http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o195/fisherman_yreka/Decoy%20Pictures/Flambeau%20Mallard%20Repaints/AllTogetherSides.jpg)
![Image](http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o195/fisherman_yreka/Decoy%20Pictures/Flambeau%20Mallard%20Repaints/AllTogetherBacks.jpg)
![Image](http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o195/fisherman_yreka/Decoy%20Pictures/Flambeau%20Mallard%20Repaints/FinishedHenFront1.jpg)