seems to me i have heard that high humidity affects either CP or epoxy on wraps, during the application stages. any truth to it? thanks

I have seemed to have better luck with my epoxy curing faster in low humidity settings but it may have been more so due to fact that I also had a constant 70 degree temperature. When I worked in my garage I had fluctuations in both, now that I wrap in my basement that is insulated and heated things work much better. i believe that Tom Kirkman stated that humidity is a lot less of a factor than a constant temperature. Someone correct me if I am wrong ....

No, high humidity won't bother either. Epoxy isn't bothered by it (I do my best finish work on rainy days with the windows open) and acrylic color preservers use water as the carrier/solvent.

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yes, humidity is a problem if you have any dust in the air. I found that out the hard way. When i finished my first rod, i was rolling in on my rack 6 inches off of the carpet. Not a speck of dust or particles in the wrap. (also a higher humidity environment with a humidifier) Then when i finished a rod in the winter (in michigan cold and dry outside) in a place where i have no control over the humidity, the epoxy acts as a dust magnet. SO higher humidity will keep the static charges from attracting the dust in the air. Tom is right that humidity does not bother the epoxy from setting up, although i have noticed that in a higher humid environment it did take a little longer for the epoxy to cure, but this was where i have had the best finishes. Hope this helps.

MI Builder

In the past I've noticed that on really warm humid days, I'll end up with a thin hazy film using Flexcoat. Its a film on the outside that can be wiped away, and I'd apply a second coat on a dryer day. Because it bothered me, I purchased a dehumidifier for the real muggy days. Not sure about other finishes.

cool. thanks guys.

I also don't buy into the humidity argument. The best way to keep your wraps free of airborn impurities is to strive for dust free air. I like to mist the air in my drying room with a spray bottle before I apply finish. It would also be a good idea to keep we epoxy far away from dust magnets...like carpet. Temperature is the key. Too cold and the epoxy won't flow.

This same thing happens to the boat builders around here. Almost all of them build their boats in uninsulated buildings usually with the doors open except in the winter. Heck some of them don't even have buildings opting to just work under an open shelter. I've seen 60+ foot sportfishers built in the open air. Sunny days or rainy days they don't seem to have a problem with their epoxy...unless it's cold outside. Was at a friends yesterday looking at a 20' custom carolina hull he's building. He had applied finish to the teak toe rail the day before and it didn't flow worth a dern. He'll sand it down and wait for a warmer day.

Jay