The paint peeling is not suppose to happen just by rubbing or even scent. I have about 14 baits and haven't had that happen yet. Of course fish eating them will cause some paint to come off. I have caught approximately 49-50 fish on one bait and the paint is still in fair condition. But awhile back Ken at Huddleston sent out e-mails to all those who purchased direct from him saying that a recent batch of baits were having some paint peeling issues. If so just return the bait and he would send out a replacement. I tried to find the e-mail he sent but must have deleted it, sorry.