what is the best method to apply appoxy on wraps, spatula or a brush or does it matter? thanks

I never mastered "applying with a spatula" so I drop the finish onto the wrap with a brush, rotate, and wick it off the bottom with a spatula - duh.

The correct tool as advised by those who manufacture epoxy, is a spatula. This is because epoxies are casting resins, not paints.

But you can use anything, including a brush, as long as you use it in a manner that allows you to get the job done.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

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I have evolved to a spatula. The thin 'rectangle' end is used for most of the wrap and the triangular end is absolutely essential for small wraps and edges. The dripping on eliminates much of the creation of bubbles. Wicking the lower 'drip' is quite easy with the spatula and does not cause a 'cross-brushing/bubble producing' motion like a brush does. I do however find that a brush/dripping is easier for putting on CP.

You are not suppose to cross brush your finish. Just lower the brush to the thread and let the finish be pulled off the brush.

Bill - willierods.com

I use the McDonald's coffee stirrers as spatulas... because of the low cost (free), they are disposable... and I don't have to clean them, just throw them away. Also, I can cut the end of one in half, making it a micro spatula for micro guides.

I used brushes for awhile...Then bought the spatula set and Im very glad I did...It took a few wraps to get use to,but now my confidence is all in them.

For butt wraps...I grab a good amount and drip it on one end ,run it 360 around the wrap then start working towards the other end rotating the rod by hand as I go..Adding more finish when needed.
In most cases,the finish is leveled before Im done, and no wicking sags is needed...I feel I have better control and distribution with the spatulas.
That's just me.

Mixing finish = spatula

Applying finish = brush

DR

When I started out building I used a brush. And I used some quality artists brushes that I already had.

Years later spatula's were all the rage and so many said they did a better job. I tried them and didn't care for them and didn't get better results.

One day someone posted a very detailed description of how they used a spatula to apply finish. Guess what? It was exactly how I used a brush for the most part.

I use my brush like both a brush and a spatula. I use it like a brush right away to wet the surface I'm finishing. Finish likes to stick to itself so wetting your surface helps your build layer find a home. Then I use it like the spatula description I read about. At this point its just a tool to load epoxy onto the rod and to apply a level layer. For me, the ability to have a brush and a spatula in one tool is important. I use different sizes of flat brushes depending on the width of the wraps I'm finishing.

For me...a brush is the only tool I'll use. A good quality brush with the proper shape.



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Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

I use a probe that you would find in a biology classroom. Similar to a spatula and can reach into the hard to get at area with micros.

Hank,
I have tried both. I never liked the time it took, nor the results that I obtained from the use of a spatula.

After cleaning brushes for a while, I tried some inexpensive - 5 cents a brush in large quantities - brushes and I haven't looked back. I use one brush per rod, and when finished, throw the brush away. Never any cleaning, or having to worry about the brush.
Quick application, holds plenty of finish, and easy spreading with the brush.
Most rods take about 3-8 minutes to finish, depending on the number of guides and length of butt wrap.

If you have never tried using your power wrapper to apply finish - give it a go. Instant start and stop with the wrapper, and when needed, pedal to the medal for quick application on the long wraps.
Put some cardboard on the lathe bed when finishing in between the guides, to keep and finish drips off of the wrapper bed.

After getting the finish on and smooth in the power wrapper, transfer to the slow turning dryer for an overnight run to harden.

Take care
REW

thanks for all of the help guys.

Roger, perfect.

I too use cheap-o brushes bought at the big box store in the arts and crafts area. They do not shed, and work perfectly. Someone mentioned micro's.....All I do is take the brush, grab a pair of scissors and trim out the bristles until I get the size brush I want or need. New brush every time on every finish need.

DR

Tim Collins Wrote:
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> I never mastered "applying with a spatula" so I
> drop the finish onto the wrap with a brush,
> rotate, and wick it off the bottom with a spatula
> - duh.

I don't know about the others but I use Threadmaster Lite and being it's a bit thin already - it has a tenency to drip off the spatula rather quickly before I can get it to the wrap sometimes and the brush just seems "holds" the finish in place for just a bit longer. And I seem to do a better job on the edges with a brush - maybe it's just a me thing.

Use a brush and get one that acts like a spatula.

I get the "kids" pack of brushes from a box store, 30 for $1.88, and throw them away when I get done.

I use a power warper. I like brushes because if I want a round or football shape and if I want flat I cut the brush down have way that makes it stiff like spatula but I never used spatula but I seen on yo-tube