Well I tried my first epoxy style ramp.I used 5 minute epoxy to build the base.I then mixed up a small batch of Diamondite.I then poured off excess thinner out of a jar of Black gloss testors paint.Mixed in some black which made the finish very very thin,as I figure it would.Decided to let it sit and check it every 5 minutes until it reached a viscosity I was comfortable working with.Brushed it on and let it sit on the dryer over night.It dried To a gorgeous Jet black with a ultra shiney finish.I did notice it took quite a bit longer to set up than usual for me as I checked what was left over on the foil periodically.Again no doubt do to the testors.Did a small butt wrap today and mixed up another batch of finish.Coated over the wrap and the black colored finish. Here's the results. Are these air bubbles?They look gray to me.I don'y think they are.[www.rodbuilding.org]
I'd like to point out that I used the exact same batch of finish to re-coat a size 30 guide and it is crystal clear.

Looks like encapsulated dust. I haven't seen anything else similar that I could attribute it to.

No way it's dust.I ramped the fore grip and the upper rear grip.Same results.It's predominatly over the black area which leads be to lean towards the testors.The specs that are in the red wrap are most likely from me working the finish from the black area towards the red.I'm going to have to try and duplicate these results on a piece of scrap to settle my curiousity.I'm a rookie at this and learning every time out:) Looks like I'm gonna get my first experience at marbling lol.

Scott, have you used a magnifier or head visor to get really up close to make sure it's not bubbles. Looks like a result I got when I used Testors pigment, it was micro bubbles, a chemical reaction between Diamondite and Testors is what I found out was the cause. I switched to Tap Plastic pigments and have not had the problem again.
If that isn't what it is then I don't know what happen, any time you use black any flaws will multiply and really show up way worse than what they really are, same as on car painting any and all waves in the metal will show up.

I love Diamondite but you can also just add pigment into the 5 min epoxy. I use the Testor's metallics but have shied away from their other paints. I use TAP or you can usually get small amounts of pigment from a paint or hardware store that sells paint. They are very intense pigments and work great. You will need to provide you own small containers, though

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!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/22/2008 01:16AM by Mike Barkley.

Just to add ... I use paint pigments as well. However, there is a "new kid" on the block - the Diamondite marbling kit. I saw them at ICRBE and discussed them with Tim. IMO, they are the way to go - the base IS one of the main elements of the finish AND it is really opaque and requires very little of the product to do the job. I haven't tried them, but it will be my next purchase of that sort.

It looks like a reaction in the surface of the undercoat. During my extensive testing of my new pigments, I found that the pigment in testors once the solvent is removed is unstable and it was difficult to get repeatable results. That is why I developed the Diamondite Marbling Kit. It is highly concentrated and build in a base product that is common to all rod finishes. I get repeatable results every time. It has only been released for 3 weeks and I am getting only positive responses regarding the quality of the finished product.

Tim Campbell
Swifty Manufacturing
(626) 963-1142

I'll be making a purchase of that product shortly. As a newbie builder i'm sure my own experimenting has lead to the results I got. If your not looking at it under a magnifying glass it looks like a gray fade into black.My wife thought it looked awsome and asked how the heck I did it.lol.I'll be sticking with this product.I love it!

Tim,

Any indication when the other pigments will be released? I definately see more use of epoxy ramps once they are out.

Bill in WV

My plan is to release them at the West Coast Rod Show. I have a few more tests to run.

Tim Campbell
Swifty Manufacturing
(626) 963-1142

I just finished a rod with an epoxy ramp and finished it by wrapping with black size A thread, then applying color preservative, then 2 part rod finish. You cannot even see the wrap and it is very black, glossy, and perfectly smooth.

Scott,
I have to disagree with the comments on pigment problems.
The specs that I see in your picture certainly look like air bubbles to me.
Have you tried using heat after coating with the finish. If you use light heat from a heat gun - the finish will heat, thin, and dissipate any air that may be entrapped in the finish.

I would suggest you try another test case, and then try gentle heat after coating. I really believe that all of your problems will "boil away".

Take care
Roger

Roger,

Curing of Diamondite is hastened with heat or air movement. I would THINK that the use of heat would hasten the cure/setup trapping bubbles instead of releasing them Maybe Tim Campbell will pop in here but I think that he does one QUICK pass of heat immediately after application to help level.

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!!