Am I doing something wrong? I applied the flocking to my rod grip according to the instructions in the library article (sealed cork and let it dry for 2 hours, stirred adhesive, applied adhesive, flocked, flocked, and flocked some more using the air gun and compressor and allowed it to dry for 24 hours before touching). I brushed off the excess and the grip looked and felt AMAZING! I had complete coverage. Now I find that I can scrape the flocking and adhesive off pretty easily with my fingernail or even rub it off with my thumb. Black residue from the adhesive also comes off on my thumb. Is it possible that the adhesive isn't curing properly? Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Scott Lewis

The adhesive problem you report can happen for a lot of different reasons. The most common thing is a miss-match of binders in cork fill, your method of preparation of the cork substrate, use of solvents and the sealing process. All of these issues will be completely dealt with at the Flocking Workshop in Charlotte. Ralph O'Quinn will be present and his comments will be directed at those things which can cause the adhesive problem you note. Not knowing all the particulars in your case I would suggest that you hide all the solvents and cleaners that you might use to wipe down the cork before sealing.

Gon Fishn

The only thing I used is U-40 cork sealer as recommended in Tom's article.

Just a guess, but maybe the adhesive wasn't thick enough? I actually "chill" mine for a few minutes in the fridge so that it's nice and thick. Also, I usually let my cork seal dry over night. I have no idea if either of these things are necessary, though. I haven't done a ton of them, but no problems so far!

BTW, all mine so far have been done with the "mini flocker" kits. Thanks to Santa, though, I will be using a new compressor and air gun as soon as Bill S. teaches me how!!!!!!!


Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Scott Lewis -Your email address is "hidden" on the board. Please go to the Control Center and go through the process of confirming your email address so we can communicate off board.


Thanks
Bill Stevens



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/08/2006 01:48PM by Bill Stevens.

Scott
24 hours is enough time on the adhesive to handle it - gently- and find some place to store it for another 4 days. It takes a MINIMUM of 5 days for that adhesive to cure sufficiently to withstand poking and rubbing and general using it for what it eventually intended to be. It is easy to scrape it off with the fingernail for 3 even 4 days, and you can rub it all off with your thumb for about 3 days. Give it at least 5 days at room temperature and then judge it. Room temperature means 72 deg. F minumum, for the entire 24hr. period. If you have a room which is 72 deg. in the daytime then goes down to 60 something at night ---- add another 3 or4 days to the cure cycle.

Ralph

What type grip were you working with - one you turned yourself or a preformed and filled grip? This can be a factor, sometimes.

The article does plainly state to wait a minimum of 48 hours before you start brushing or testing the flock. You can gently handle it and shake of any extra after 24, but it states to wait a full 48, minimum before mounting the grip or brushing it.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/08/2006 05:22PM by Tom Kirkman.

Thanks, all. Yes, I just needed to wait longer because tonight the grip seems to have set. I was rushing things and didn't see that line in the article about waiting 48 hours. My fault!

The first one I did I mixed the glue with a pencil and then did as you, it took at least 5 days or more for the glue on the pencil to dry. So I would do the same and set a test drop aside and then you will know when it is dry without messing up your rod.
Cheere Ron