I tried Aftcote for the first time and was not completely satisfied with it. It dries crystal clear and levels itself very nicely but I could not get it to dry 100%. I mixed about 12 batches and tried it on bare blanks and over thread and every time it was just a bit tacky. I could not get it to dry hard and tack free. Humidity and temp. was not an issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tight lines.

Mike some questions. Are you using the same containers for mixing ,perhaps changing them? How long are you letting it dry? Ive heard of guys waiting 2or 3 day. If your drawing up the solutions up in a syringe could they be contaminated?

Just a thought here...but maybe its some of the older,initial formulation where this WAS an issue? I had read that its been revamped to better suit us rodbuilders in the way of setting and curing time. I have seen posts from others like billy V that indicate it is a better product now. Faster cure time.
Chuck

I tried mixing it in a few different containers and let it dry for 3 days but still had a little bit of tackiness. It's possible that it is the older formula, how would I be able to tell. I tried using syringes, 3 different pairs, all brand new and measured it out with small measuring/mixing cups. No luck with any way. It wasn't so tacky that it would leave a finger print but your finger stuck for a secong and you could put a mark with your finger nail easily.

Mike,
I use Aftcote on a regular basis and I get excellent results. But, I've found (through trial and error) a couple of things that make things easier. My routine is pretty lengthy so I don't want to elaborate here and bore everyone but would be glad to send you the info to your email address if you'd like. Randy.

Mike , sounds like this is a job for AFCOTE ! Why don't you call the company and speak to a technical adviser, they are usually very helpful and if it is an old bottle I'll bet they will replace it.

When you say "tackiness" - do you actually leave a fingerprint in the finish after you touch it? Or is it tacky like a brand new rubber basketball? Aftcote is very rubbery, years (I've used it for 2) later I can put a fingernail dent in the finish, 10 minutes later it looks like new. Personally, I liked Aftcote, but I have had trouble with it when transporting rods in my car or in a Bazooka Tube to Charlotte. When teh guides rub on the finish, it sometimes "chunks" a piece of finish out. Keep in mind I like a high build up of epoxy on my guides.

I've been very impressed with Andy's new ThreadMaster finish, it stays just as clear as Aftcote, adn dries hard. I haven't had a problem on my rods with cracking, but I haven't put them throuhg the ringer enough to say just how flexible it is and if it resists cracking after a lot of use.

Mike Kulick Wrote:

> It wasn't so tacky that it would leave a finger print but your finger stuck for a secong and you could
> put a mark with your finger nail easily.

That is normal with Aftcote. I didnt' see this when I posted the first time above.

I love Aftcote, and I have yet to use the 'new' formula. Even with the slower curing 'old' stuff I'm able to get it to set in 4-6 hours, comfortable in handling it in 6-8 hours, and have even wrapped over it with additonal thread in about 10 hours. I apply my finish in a heated room that sometimes may get to 110+ degrees. This really helps the Aftcote to cure. The stuff levels beautifully.

Jay

I use Aftcote and do nothing special at all and love it. Never once have I had a cureing problem. Mine is probably the "new" stuff and it works great. My dry time at normal room temp is overnight + or -. I usually put it on late at night and take it off the turner on the AM....about 6-8 hours? and it's good to go.

DR

Acording to the Aftco rep at Merrick's open house, the new formula has better UV properties. No difference in the cure time. Ed