RUST

Still developing Rust for this coming season.

Aren't they beautiful?

Why? Rust is the enemy of trap springs. Give a coat of camo spray paint to help them blend in and you're good to go.

Soak them in vinegar for a couple of hours then watch ‘em rust.

Rust-Oleum?

Exactly, came them while you're at it

Primer also?

This

Sure
Rusty metal primer, brick red

Because I was listening to my father who said to do it that way. Today I told him im doing it my way now. The way I wanted to with paint last year.

I'm not saying dad is wrong but this day and age that is IMO an antiquated way of treating traps.
https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-2...&hvtargid=pla-308069724859&psc=1 - this is what I use. I stack the traps so the over-spray isn't wasted. Spray one side brown then add a few strips of army green. Flip the traps over and paint the other side forest green and stripe it with the army green. Really any combo of 3 will work good. This is the same way I treat snares coiled together. Only difference is I only use a very light dusting on snares and a little better coverage on the body-grippers. No primer needed. Three cans will do A LOT of traps.

I can't see how a very light coat of rust that is then neutralized with logwood, walnut,shumac etc..Is weakening the springs to any degree that would effect the killing power. After all it was done this way for quite a few decades.
I have conis done this way and have some painted.
Maybe the painted ones would be faster, not sure. But I have never had a problem using dyed conis.
Ways with traps do evolve though. Try a few painted and see what you think

Dye and wax just like all the other traps.

I run all my "water" bodygripers a year and dye and wax the second.........or is it just me that has to buy new traps during the season because I'm not organized enough to do it in the off season?

I was looking at this. Rust-Oleum Stops Rust 7776830 Spray Paint, 1 Pack, Flat Black, 12 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SADDV...RVT6SH1GA8KQR0R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I'd never let my hammer and tools rust, same with my traps.
Jim

Probably work. I don't think black conibears blend as well as camo colors so I'd choose to add the brown and red rock colors. The Krylon is a rust preventative as well with better colors IMO.

Flat black works just fine if you're just using in water. That's what I do with my 330's. If you're using on the ground just use a color that blends with the surround vegetation.

These are water traps.

Files are too big to post regularly

I bet they work just fine.

Do you degrease them before painting?

330s would be hard to boil.

A quick wipe down with acetone or a cycle through the dishwasher is all that's needed.

In my experience that paint won't stay on for long. You'll have your rust before season is out, especially in the acidic coastal conditions I think you're setting steel in. Personally I kind of agree with your pop: A very light rust coat will help the dye (in my case rustoleum primer) stick a little longer and doesn't hurt spring strength at all.

100% correct

Rustolium rust colored primer then some hunter green camo

Spritz 'em with strong salt water and then watch them rust, but it only takes a little for the dye to work.

Rustoleum rusty metal primer is very high in solids. The can sure seems heavier than any other color in a similar can. I set the springs, with safety's on before painting them. The coils on the springs open a bit and I can shake the trap around for better coverage. I really soak the spring coils. Once coated with primer and its dry then a hit here and there with flat black and dark brown to break up the shape.

That Oregon grass is gorgeous!!!

Paint
Paint
Paint’em

I'll consider acetone for that.

BEFORE they get rusty (so the paint protects & sticks)

I unbox them, 1 long load through the dishwadher
Dry for a day, then paint. For 220's 280's 330's and 660's also my MB750's

Ok, makes sense.
Whether washing traps with water or removing them from vinegar, do ya recommend just letting them AIR dry.