I could use some help. I am using the TM lite and I cannot get the stuff to level. I'm sure it's something I am doing but I've used 2 other epoxies and had absolutely no trouble with leveling. I've had this happen with the TM lite 3 times now. What do I need to different to get the same results for a smooth finish?

Here's my process:
- mix epoxy using syringes (doing 3cc of each)
- mix it using my spatula (about 2 min worth of stirring)
- pour it out on a paper plate covered in aluminum foil
- get a little on my spatula
- put it on the blank/wrap/etc
- spread a little more.. repeat
- start smoothing and spreading using the spatula and it creates ridges that don't settle out while the blank turns on the motor.

I've tried light, heavy and no pressure with my spatula and get the same result. I really like the finish, but I can't have the bumps! This has worked great with the other finishes, but not with the TM. Help please!

Don't "smooth and spread." The epoxy will do that on it's own. You're doing too much. Let the epoxy do what it was designed to do. Does the epoxy on your paper plate covered with aluminum foil level? Of course it does, and you're not doing anything to that, are you?

Also, don't put on quite as much.


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

Couple other questions/suggestions.

How quickly are you putting the rod on your dryer? let it sit while not turning for a minute and I think you will see all of your ridges go away. Before I put a rod on the dryer I let it sit for a minute, wick away the excess that collects at the bottom, turn the rod over and let it sit again for a few minutes, wick away the excess that collects on the bottom, you get the idea. I do this for probably 5 or 6 turns until I'm not longer seeing the finish sag on the bottom of the rod. at that point I will put the rod in the dryer. I thought that the lite formula would be too thin to hold any ridges even when turning but maybe if it is turning in the dryer it will actually keep it from leveling out the ridges.

Another suggestion to go along with Tom's advise of using less finish in each application. I plan on having to do at least two coats of finish. I use the lite version to just soak/seal the thread and apply a second coat (I use the regular formula for the second coat) as the final finish coat. Of course there are times it will take three coats since I always keep all finish applications as lite as possible. I'm not sure if you are trying to use the lite version to apply a single finish coat but as thin as it is I don't think that I could do it, although I am not nearly as skilled as most of the guys so I'm sure that it could be done by the pros. I just know that I would never be able to get a decent looking job done that way.

Finally, are the ridges you are seeing from the thread or are they actually ridges built up from the finish? When I use the lite version I can almost always see the ridges from the thread after my first coat.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/16/2007 01:30PM by Burton Short.

Alex,

Just another 'option'.

If you are having trouble with a particular finish, and you aren't having the same trouble with another, why not just use the one that works for you?

We all do this differently. The finishes are all a bit different, too.

Why sweat it, even a little bit?

Use what works for you.

Buddy Sanders

I've used TM lite quite a bit. Be sure your rod is level or you won't get a smooth level job. You can't put to much on at one time, Put 1 coat on and let it turn on the dryer for about 8 hours then put another coat on and see what it looks like. I put a coat of lite on then I go to the TM high build. This prrocess works great on feather inlays too.