Hi guys, following the problems that I was having with finish in Winter (attributing my problems to low temperatures), I have built like a Drying Station in my basement using Heat Lamps strategically located over the turning rod. The lamps can be lowered up / down very easily using light brackets normally used for reptile terrariums. It really works nice and I can control the temperature based on the distance of the lamp from the finish, and based on the power of the lamps used. Given that I can now control the parameters, I have two questions: (a) what temperature would you aim at for the curing period ? and (b) for how long would you keep the rod in the warm area ?

80 degrees F for 10 -15 hours

10 - 15 hours I have my finish on in the winter even open the front door for the first hour or so
Then shut it let the place warm up I like it to stay wet and flow
That stuff should be ready and dry to the touch in 5 maybe 6 hours to take it off the dryer

But then I do thin my high build for a more of a thin or light build finish

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/22/2015 06:11PM by bill boettcher.

Like Roger, I maintain about 80 degrees Fahrenheit in my curing box for epoxy finishes. I find it gives a nice consistent balance between finish quality (leveling, adequate time for micro-bubbles to release, etc.) and curing speed. My heat source is thermostatically controlled and my actual temperature range fluctuates between about 78 - 83 degrees Fahrenheit during the cure. I chose this temperature because I recall reading somewhere that for every 10 degree Fahrenheit increase curing time is halved. I maintain my shop area at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit so I can usually apply finish before 10AM or so and the rods will be set up enough before dinner time that they no longer require rotation or monitoring. It works well for me, so I never tried another temperature.