I've built Rods for years, but I've had an epoxy issue the last several rods I've never seen before nor can I figure out why it's happening.

The best way to describe it is "soft spots." After the epoxy cures, I've come back and noticed tiny dimples in the finish. When I press on them, they become cloudy, almost as if there is un-cured epoxy just below the surface. When I cut them out with a blade, they felt "crystallized." (I'd include a pic but don't know how to post one). Are these "fish eyes?"

After I first noticed it and it happened more than once, I removed and cleaned surfaces, bought new flex coat, used new syringes, new stirring sticks, and wiped off all tools, thinking there might be silicone on something. I can't think of anything I didn't trade out from previous rods.

Looking at the one I finished after replacing/cleaning everything, it's better, but there is still one of these soft spots. One is better than the numerous ones I had before, but it's driving me nuts.

The only possible source of silicone remaining is blue tape, but I have no idea if there's silicone in it and have never had problems using it in the past.

Has anyone seen these things before? If so, what causes them? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/16/2017 01:09AM by Steve Van Winkle.

Steve,

A couple of things that would cause different problems:

My first thought: Check for crystals in your resin. This includes the bottle or syringe. If they are just starting to form, you may not see them easily.

Have you switched to a new thread?

Are you using razor blades that may have oil on them? Not all solvents are created equal, when it comes to oil or grease.

Are you wrapping, or finishing, in an area that could get over spray from an air freshener, perfume/cologne, cooking spray, or spray lubricant?

Are you using hand lotion, because of the cold, dry air?

Some things to consider.

Take care,

Chris



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/16/2017 05:25AM by Chris Herrera.

Well if you have been Building Rods for years without issue, Then you need to Look at what has {Recently changed} Are you using CP ?? And if so are you letting it dry overnight, or longer? I wait 24 hrs Before applying ANY epoxy. {Quote} {When I press on them, they become {cloudy} almost as if there is uncured epoxy just below the surface} That tells me Your Color Preserver has Not Dried and there is moisture trapped under your epoxy. I suggest when a problem occurs that you review all your building procedures in the Library to refresh your memory. Most of the time it's something very little that can cause these issues, That we Happen to overlook . I don't believe the green tape is your problem as many of us use the sticky side like a tack cloth to remove dust before applying epoxy with no problems. Nor do I believe you are having Fisheyes as those are pretty easy to determine, Your finish will pull away from the spot and leave a hole, If you add more epoxy it will do the same thing. If you're using CP let it dry!!. Cheers and good luck. Jaa

It's not silicone. As Chris mentioned above, it's most like it's very small crystalized resin bits. Unable to mix with the hardener, they never harden on the rod, leaving small uncured bits of rubbery resin in your finish.

Set the resin bottle in a pan of very hot water for a bit, or remove the cap and hit it in the micro wave for a 6 to 10 second burst. Let cool a minute and repeat. Most likely that'll take care of your issue.

...................

Thanks for the help, everyone.

I don't use CP, so that's not the issue, but I did have crystals, and the syringes were old and I noticed crystallization in them. This is why I decided to trade everything out; the finish parts were down to the bottom of the bottles, so it was time anyway.

My confusion was the one spot I had after I applied a coat using all new finish and syringes; however, this may have been a spot I missed on the previous inspection as well. I'll know for sure when I do the next rod, but the crystal theory was one I had and you guys seem to confirm it for me.

And, on Chris' list are a number of things I need to shore up and appreciate that counsel as well.

Thanks very much.

Steve,
One thing that I do about every 6 months, is to put the containers of rod finish in the microwave for 10 seconds or so, to be sure that each of the finish containers have dead clear liquid in them.

If any crystals have formed, short bursts of the microwave do an excellent job in removing the crystals.

Also, about once a month, I am very diligent about cleaning up the syringes. I just use DNA and a rod to be sure that every spec of any material has been cleaned out of and wiped off of every surface - both on the inside and the outside of each of the syringes.

Under normal use, I don't clean the syringes. I just keep them in the same container in a vertical repose and any excess material drips off of the syringe into the excess container.

I also use new plastic cups to mix each batch of finish. I use a craft mixing stick that has been wiped off from its previous use.

Another thing to be sure - is to not use any solvent or similar to clean a blank that may leave some residue behind.

Also, wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hand.

Take care

All good possibilities list above. How do you mix the resin and how long do you mix the resin? I havent experienced the problem you are having but like someone said above what are you doing differently now? Good luck.

Roger...

Again, you point out some things I am not currently doing that will be a big help in the future, like cleaning syringes and storing upright.

Very helpful.

Thanks again,

Steve

All good possibilities list above. How do you mix the resin and how long do you mix the resin? I havent experienced the problem you are having but like someone said above what are you doing different now? Good luck.

Good call, Chris.

Tom Kirkman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It's not silicone. As Chris mentioned above, it's
> most like it's very small crystalized resin bits.
> Unable to mix with the hardener, they never harden
> on the rod, leaving small uncured bits of rubbery
> resin in your finish.
>
> Set the resin bottle in a pan of very hot water
> for a bit, or remove the cap and hit it in the
> micro wave for a 6 to 10 second burst. Let cool a
> minute and repeat. Most likely that'll take care
> of your issue.
>
> ...................
Plus this helps the mixing and releasing bubbles due to the lower viscosity. I've started setting my stuff in hot (from the tap) water while I get my stuff set up and cleaned for the application process.

Randy,
Read and understood.

However, the down side of putting the finish in hot water, is that the warmer temperatures can remarkably shorten the pot life of the finish.

I would rather have a bit cooler finish - even with a few bubbles upon first application in favor of a longer pot life.

Heat can always be added to the finish after applying as long as there is sufficient finish on the rod in the first place.

But, as has been said many many times before.

"Figure out a technique for doing a job that works well for you and then perfect it."

roger wilson Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Steve,
> One thing that I do about every 6 months, is to
> put the containers of rod finish in the microwave
> for 10 seconds or so, to be sure that each of the
> finish containers have dead clear liquid in them.
>
>
> If any crystals have formed, short bursts of the
> microwave do an excellent job in removing the
> crystals.
>
> Also, about once a month, I am very diligent about
> cleaning up the syringes. I just use DNA and a
> rod to be sure that every spec of any material has
> been cleaned out of and wiped off of every surface
> - both on the inside and the outside of each of
> the syringes.
>
> Under normal use, I don't clean the syringes. I
> just keep them in the same container in a vertical
> repose and any excess material drips off of the
> syringe into the excess container.
>
> I also use new plastic cups to mix each batch of
> finish. I use a craft mixing stick that has been
> wiped off from its previous use.
>
> Another thing to be sure - is to not use any
> solvent or similar to clean a blank that may leave
> some residue behind.
>
> Also, wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your
> hand.
>
> Take care


Roger, what is DNA? Denatured Alcohol? or the stuff life is made of :-)