Re: Filling in bubble bursts
Posted by:
Cliff Hall
(---.dialup.ufl.edu)
Date: March 20, 2006 11:10AM
Bill Giokas - If you hope to completely eliminate any crater-like texture to the surface of the finish, then you will have to decide if the thickness of another coat will accomplish that or not. More than one coat may be needed. It all depends on the diameter and depth of the bubble bursts; the viscosity of the thread finish (TF) you are using; how much more weight from thread finish this rod can tolerate; and how much more effort you want to invest in this damage control.
A very light sanding with a very fine grit paper may be worth the effort to really level the rims of the craters and give you a new-like smoothness.
The real issue should be what do you think CAUSED all these trapped air bubbles and / or prevented their release in the first place. If you do not address that problem, it is very likely to simply happen again, and it won't matter much how many coats you use - the last one will have nearly as many bubbles as the others, unless you use a different application technique. Or find a brand of epoxy TF that works better in your hands.
Using PermaGloss for a top-coat AFTER sanding the finish to smoothness is an option for a bubble-free sealing / top-coat. It dries fast & hard, and is very durable.
I am not gonna hazard any more additional advice, because their are many variables here. If you describe the brands of epoxy, and your application technique and method for curing, you may get some fresh insight from others on how they have dealt with similar problems. Searching the RBO Archives by BRAND NAME should also give you lots of advice. Maybe even the manufacturer has such information on their company website. Look up the Sponsor Links on the LEFT side-bar.
One thing that seems to help in this situation is to pour out your well-mixed epoxy onto a sheet of aluminum foil. Spread it around, and let it stand a minute to distend the bubbles. Then apply. The Al foil also dissipates the heat of the reaction, and preserves your pot life. …
Good Luck, Bill, …-Cliff Hall+++, Gainesville, FL-USA*****
