Hi guys, I have been wanting to try Flex Coat for awhile now but I am not sure if I need the High Build or the Lite build. I have been using Pro Coat original and I like it but was just wanting to try something else. Also what is the working time with the Flex Coat? I know with the Pro Coat I have a long time to work with it around 45 to an hour before it gets thick. Any tips would be great. Thanks Justin

- Forget about a 45 minute open time.

+ With High Build a one and done application is possible.

- ProKote medium viscosity is very forgiving with regard to bubbles; Flex Coat is a little less bubble forgiving.

+ Lots and lots and lots of rods built with Flex Coat.

The list of pluses and minuses goes on and on. Question is, what do you want from Flex Coat that ProKote is not doing for you.

Justin


I use Flex coat Hi build (original) never had a problem.

Regardless what you use surface prep is paramount, and apply in the most dust free area available.

John

I have used only flex high build for all of the many many rods that I have built over the years.

In reality, the working time of flex coat is about 5-10 minutes. By the time 30 minutes go by, the coating has cured enough so that it sags very little at this time.

So, when using flex coat, work quickly and or mix several small batches rather than a single larger batch.

When I am in production mode, I can generally get about 4 rods coated before the finish becomes unmanageable.

Good luck

I have used borh flex coats and Pro Kote and my conclusions are that the major difference between Pro Kote and the Flex Coats is cure time. Pro Kote took so long I was always worrying, even over a day after application. The differences between the Flex Coats is obviously viscosity, and I prefer the light over the high build. I most always have a nubbin or something to fix after the first coat, so like the lighter build of the lite.

It's all personal preference; all three will yield fine finishes.

Agree with Michael, Flex Coat lite for over 30 years. Yes on off-shore rods you have to apply more coats, but never had a problem.

Flex Coat Original Highbuild is the same formula for over 40 years. The best surprise is no surprise.

Flex Coat Lite has a thinner viscosity so that it is easier to achieve a thin coat, intended for fly rods.

Flex Coat Ultra-V is the most UV Protected formula we offer. Great adhesion and longer working time.

Flex Coat is on most high performance USA made manufactured rods.

MADE IN THE USA.

Always heat your finish prior to mixing till its warm to the touch (90ºF). Once thoroughly mixed, pour it out on a paper plate covered with aluminum foil, this will extend the working time and help pop any bubbles. You can even flash it with a torch to instantly pop all bubbles, even the small ones, be careful not to scorch.

Flex Coat Company
Professional Rod Building Supplies
www.flexcoat.com

X10 on John's comments about Flex Coat.

Flex coat High build is the only finish that I have ever used for building many many rods over the years and have had 0 issues with the finish.

Good luck

I decided to try the UV Flex Coat. I put my primer coat on about an hour ago and plan to put the 2nd coat on in a few hours. Its 70 degrees and 60% humidity in my basement so things are going a little slow but it will be about four hours between coats. On the Flex coat video it was two and a half hours between but I figured id wait just a little longer with the cool temp and the humidity so high.