It sounds like you are getting too much heat and too much powder on your jig.

I use a plumber's torch. It is very fast. It only takes about 4 seconds of heat with it turned all the way down for a 1/4oz jig. The larger the jig takes a little more time. Play with it and you will see.

It is real easy to build a fluid bed. The cost is only about $30.00. The fluid bed is the way to go. You get pretty even results every time. If you get a little too much in the hook eye you need to clean it off with a paper clip or wire. Because once it is baked it is real hard to get something through the eye so you can use the jig.

I also just glue in the weedguard after I am done painting them.