I would like to know how to apply epoxy butt wrap finish so that I get a smooth and even finish. I don't know why, but my finishes always turn out uneven. I am currently using Flex Coat Guide High Build Formula Rod Wrapping Finish. I measure the exact amount using disposable syringes. I usually mix 2-3ml per bottle (4-6ml total) depending on how much I need for task. I mix epoxy for about 2min by slowly stirring it with a stirring stick. I use gloves to prevent hand oils from getting into epoxy and the blanks are completely dry when epoxy is applied. I use epoxy immediately after mixing.

Should I give Flex Coat Lite Formula Rod Wrapping Finish a try? Will this help?

Should I lightly heat up the two bottles of flex coat before mixing?

Should I use an automatic electrical mixer?

I see so many beautiful smooth finishes on the photo section of this forum and can't help but be envious. I also plan to apply my first feather inlay and don't want to mess up the epoxy. Thank you all in advance for your guys' assistance.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/17/2013 05:03PM by Lam Nguyen.

Try switching to threadmaster lite......bet you will like the results.

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Super Tight Lines......Don

All the popular epoxies level perfectly. Moving to another finish may not be the cure.

Start here: [www.rodbuilding.org]

Now keep in mind that if you're coating any open butt wrap, it's never going to be level unless you continue to apply more and more coats until you can block sand it level. Only closed butt wraps are going to allow you to get a level finish in one coat.

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I use flex coat high build all of the time. The finish on the butt wraps and guides are perfectly smooth and level.

The one thing that I do, is to use heat to thin the mixture, after it is on the rod and to insure that there no build up anywhere to cause a wave in the epoxy.

As the rod is turning on the dryer, after the initial application, I just briefly direct the heat from a heat gun on the freshly coated epoxy. I keep giving the area blips of heat, until the finish has leveled and is perfectly smooth.

The word of note is "gentle" heat.

i.e. don't blast it, and I prefer not to use a flame. Rather just a touch of gentle heat to get the finish to nicely level and flow smoothly when the rod is turning.

Good luck

On wide areas to cover like a butt wrap, decal, or what not, use a wider brush or other wide tool like a playing card to apply the finish. It isn't nessisarry but it helps some folks get an even application.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Try using a bit of heat I like to flame my epoxy while it is turning on the drying motor and what will happen is the epoxy will start to thin it my even drip but its not a problem as you can alway wipe off the runny part if needed but most often the epoxy will level by its self once thinned out with the heat.

Glenn McMurrian

Lam,
As you read other discussions on achieving a level surface, you'll find that if your finish is not leveling it's likely caused by applying too much finish with each application - not the brand or viscosity of your finish. For me thinner applications, even with high build epoxy, result in a level surface.

Adding a feather inlay complicates things a bit because you may have feathers on one side of the butt wrap and not on the other. On my most recent build I applied feathers to one side of the wrap, then applied 7-8 coats of high build epoxy and it turned out fine. If you like I can email you pictures of the first five applications. What you'll see is that I'm applying the epoxy and then brushing most of it off. I don't give the epoxy a chance to sag or ripple. Looking at the finished product you would never know that I applied that many epoxy coats.

As with other thread and epoxy steps, it’s usually a good to practice new ideas on a test blank section.

Jeff

Jeff Shafer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Lam,
> As you read other discussions on achieving a level
> surface, you'll find that if your finish is not
> leveling it's likely caused by applying too much
> finish with each application - not the brand or
> viscosity of your finish. For me thinner
> applications, even with high build epoxy, result
> in a level surface.
>
> Adding a feather inlay complicates things a bit
> because you may have feathers on one side of the
> butt wrap and not on the other. On my most recent
> build I applied feathers to one side of the wrap,
> then applied 7-8 coats of high build epoxy and it
> turned out fine. If you like I can email you
> pictures of the first five applications. What
> you'll see is that I'm applying the epoxy and then
> brushing most of it off. I don't give the epoxy a
> chance to sag or ripple. Looking at the finished
> product you would never know that I applied that
> many epoxy coats.
>
> As with other thread and epoxy steps, it’s
> usually a good to practice new ideas on a test
> blank section.
>
> Jeff

Hi Jeff,

I just read your post and was wondering if you could send me the photos?

Chester

May your line be tight and your beverages be cold!

Yes Chester, please email me at penzzz@msn.com so I can capture your email address.

Jeff

Sorry for the delayed response and thank you so much for all of your input. Definitely some very good ideas. I think that I let my epoxy dry up too much when I applied epoxy. It was already a little thick. I am going to try your guys' suggestions and apply a little heat to warm up epoxy next time. Much appreciated!

Don't be afraid of only doing a small portion of your finish work and then tossing the remainder of the finish because it gets too thick. I make smaller batches and mix another one as needed. I also now started to apply very thin coats, it may take three to complete the finish I'm looking for, but when I'm done they do look nice and smooth. Like others say, need to try different things until you find what works.

Chester

May your line be tight and your beverages be cold!

I use the same stuff Lam. Heat was the key for me to get those glass like results (with that epoxy). I have had good luck adding the heat while mixing then applying. If needed you can add a little heat while its spinning but I have found that I don’t need to really do that anymore. Be careful heating also. It is possible to heat too much.
Good luck and keep practicing, eventually it will switch like a light bulb and you will have it.