Help. I got ready to paint some jig heads and my vinyl jig paint (component systems) has turned to JELLY. I tried to thin it out with the $4/oz thinner of the same brand but gave up after it did not thin out. Is it garbage now?

Stir it up and let the thinner work for a few days.
Next soak the bottle in hot water for awhile to warm it up. Stir it again to see if it has thinned out. Add more thinner if needed. If it is still jelly after that, I'd toss it.
I resurrected a few bottle this way.

Do I really have to use component systems thinner or can I get some cheaper thin at the hardware store?

Try this instead..

Pro-Tec Powder Paint

Pro Tec for the win!

Heat the jig head lightly, dip in powder. Temper in oven, done.

I'm sure you can thin it with something else, but I've never tried it.
Once you use vinyl, you'll never use powder coat again.

+1

Stay with the vinyl paint.......retired, so I can fish everyday.....the only jigs I fish are vinyl painted......I just lost a jig, that had caught 13 fish.....looked as good, as when it was new.