What causes epoxy to set up in a slight wave to the finish.? When I run my fingers along it there are slight hills and valleys after the second coat? I would like to get the finish perfectly flat. Now I think I have to sand the finish level and apply another coat. Thoughts? Suggestions?
Rob

Boston, MA

You are applying too much Finish on the blank. Read this from the Library.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

That's what I was expecting. I did put a big coat on. I was finishing a handle.
Rob

Boston, MA

If it is an open wrap this is common. Happened to me on my first dec wrap. havent done any open wraps since.

IT takes a lot of practice to get them perfectly flat. Brush lengthwise and apply a lot, dont' overheat the finish to remove bubbles or the epoxy will drip and sag. YOu can read and listen to a million remedies and tips and tricks - but all th tmattters is you get hte results you want using whatever method works best for you - but it does take a lot of practice to get it right.

Rob,

In my opinion it is the rod center leveling that will over time make the biggest difference. Make your coats thinner and level your rod and you will start seeing better results. The Wizard Billy V also hit on something, it takes time to find what best works for you.

Tight lines,

John Hernandez

In your case, first I would read up on Tom' system. In Your case let it set up for a couple of days, then using a single edge razor blade holding it perpendicular lightly scrap the high points (don't cut threads). Now start filling the low spots a1/4 turn of the rod at time. If you look at the under side you well see lumps. remove the lumps by brushing them to the high side. Keep looking at the under neath while the rod is turning on the dryer. you well still see highs and lows, build up the lows by moving your finish to the back. Now stop the turner, look where the globs appear, turn the dryer back on and wick off the high spots. This takes practice and more practice

Good Wraps Bob

In your case, first I would read up on Tom' system. In Your case let it set up for a couple of days, then using a single edge razor blade holding it perpendicular lightly scrap the high points (don't cut threads). Now start filling the low spots a1/4 turn of the rod at time. If you look at the under side you well see lumps. remove the lumps by brushing them to the high side. Keep looking at the under neath while the rod is turning on the dryer. you well still see highs and lows, build up the lows by moving your finish to the back. Now stop the turner, look where the globs appear, turn the dryer back on and wick off the high spots. This takes practice and more practice

Good Wraps Bob

I've found that applying a couple of thin coats works better for me than one thick coat. I also brush lengthwise after I get a coat on.
With that being said, I did have a customer ask me specifically to "wave" the finish between the rear grips. He said he felt it gave him a better grip (similar to a bat grip) and was more secure in his hands.

I've found that applying a couple of thin coats works better for me than one thick coat. I also brush lengthwise after I get a coat on.
With that being said, I did have a customer ask me specifically to "wave" the finish between the rear grips. He said he felt it gave him a better grip (similar to a bat grip) and was more secure in his hands.

Excellent article, Ron. Thank you. I was starting to think that the waves were caused by epoxy seeping in to the threads, but I use CP so while I thought that, I knew logically that might not be the case.

Here are some more ideas: [rodbuilding.org] [rodbuilding.org]
I suggest putting on plenty of finish and brush it along the length of the area.

Greg



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/09/2011 12:12PM by Greg Foy.

Take a playing card (or credit card) and lightly hold it against the wrap (with the rod turning INTO the card. That will distribute the finish evenly into the low spots. Wait 10-15 minutes for the finish to start to thicken up) Playing cards make great levelers and the can be cut to any size you want. 52 large spatulas/levelers for a buck at the local dollar store is pretty good.

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!!

We could go on forever about all this. I may incorporate the brushing across. I have notice I can get large areas level on the butt section.

I have found that the faster the dryer is going, the more "waves" i get, nice and slow will self level a lot better just keep wicking off the blobs on the bottom.. get gravity to do what its supposed to do.