HELLO:
I'm new to rod building and I'm having problem with the last step applying finish. I coat threads with 2 to 3 coats of Color preserver, and let dry about 1hr to 2hrs. I then apply finish and it looks great and then some air bubbles show up. What is the best why to get rid of them? Also if you don't get rid of them what can you do about them afterwards. I want to master this before I continue building anymore rods.

Scott,

It has worked better for me to wait 24hr's before coating over fresh color preserver.

On your bubbles, just hold a flame (butane cig lighter or the like) close to the epoxy-not under it-as you turn the rod and the bubbles will rise up and "pop" leaving you a bubble free finish.

Side note: make sure to mix your epoxy SLOWLY and do not "whip" any bubbles into the mix, and once you've mixed the epoxy, pour it out on a piece of flat aluminum foil and let it sit for a few minutes as this usually removes any bubbles created when mixing, but the best thing is to NOT create any bubbles when mixing to start with.

DR

Duane's right Scott also deppending on how you apply your finish is going to make a big differnce also rather then brush on try using some kind of spatula mc. donalds coffee type works well this will help out alot less or no bubbles and if you catch them right away use a straw to blow the bubbles out only use heat when you have to tight wraps................Rob

Also, in addition to above good advice, the THICKER the coating of epoxy finish, the more difficult it is to get the bubbles to rise and pop. A thinner coat makes this much easier to do.

Putter
Williston, ND

So when you apply use a spatula or a coffee mixer instead of a brush? Also apply a thin coat, then you must wait until it drys to apply another coat? So all in all make it a two-coat process?

yeah some kind of spatula id reccomend trying this on a scrap blank to get the feel for it and yes two coat process will save you a ton of problems.........you will get nice even finish with no bubbles practice makes perfect