A few have said that they can contaminate the finish. I've never seen it. I used to use them. Once used, they're coated and that's the end of any problem possibility.

Putter
Williston, ND

I use a new popsicle stick everytime.

It wouldn't bother me a bit to use a new one every time, either, Duane.

You know, I started building rods in 1981 and one of the first things that I did was take two popsicle sticks and wrote "finish" on one and "epoxy" (adhesive) on the other. I still have and use both of them...

I have to admit, I don't use the finish one anymore. Contrary to other opinions, I use a dental pick bent at a 90 degree end to stir my epoxy finish with. No problems with it and not as many bubbles while stirring. That's why I quit using the 'flat' stirrers; they just make too many bubbles when I stir with them.

The finishes that I use are high builds and very thick and quick setting. The larger bubbles would pop by themselves when laid out on a flat surface, but I always had those tiny 'micro' bubbles. Still do if I get to stirring too fast, but it's really cut down on the problem for me.

Putter
Williston, ND

Use them all the time to mix every thing. No problems here.
No problems with the plastic cups either.
A lot of contamination comes from out side these things.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/29/2005 11:11AM by bill boettcher.

Another myth in finishing is that platic cups and wooden sticks will do all sorts of nasty things to your finish. They won't. Wooden sticks don't necessarily introduce bubbles into the mix (this is the reason often given for not using them). Stir slowly and you'll be fine with them. Save the last one you used and it will be coated/sealed with epoxy anyway.

Mixing finish should be more of a blending/folding operation than a stirring action. Wide, flat objects are just much better for this purpose than small, round sticks or tubes. A spatula is perhaps the best. Metal ones preferred, but you can make one out of wood and it'll work fine too.

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

I've apparently been very lucky. I've always used a round plastic stirring stick to mix FLex Coat High Build and haven't ever had a problem. Going to use a popsickle stick next time - hope that doesn't change my luck.

Neil,

I buy a box of about a 1,00o craft (Popsicle sticks) for about 5 box or less at Michael's craft stores and have never had any problem.

Another thing that I now use primarily is the new McDonald's coffee stirrer's. They have a flat spatula end and are individually wrapped. I use them as spatula's for applying also! Fortunately, my local Mickey D's realizes that I need about 20 with a cup of coffee LOL

Mike

Neil,

I buy a box of about a 1,000 craft (Popsicle sticks) for about $5 box or less at Michael's craft stores and have never had any problem.

Another thing that I now use primarily is the new McDonald's coffee stirrer's. They have a flat spatula end and are individually wrapped. I use them as spatula's for applying also! Fortunately, my local Mickey D's realizes that I need about 20 with a cup of coffee LOL

Mike