I have read a lot lately about bubbles in epoxy......I mix my epoxy in a plastic cup, stir with a flat stick, and blow out any bubbles with a straw.........I then put it on the rod, and blow out bubbles with a straw again.......I have had no trouble with bubbles in my finish. I put on finish with a brush with no problems. Gene

Gene,
It is always nice to hear of success stories, rather than stories of failures.

Lots and lots of excellent advice on this forum.

As is always the case when doing any job - there are many many ways to do a given job successfully. Experiment, consider, test and try using different methods to do the same job. Use the method to do a job that gives excellent results in a reasonable time frame that is also cost effective with the goals of getting the job done. Remember the failures that didn't work so that you don't repeat them again.

Using different methods to do the same job is great. Just like asking questions. There is no question that is "dumb". The only thing that a question signifies is "lack of knowledge>"

Great comment.

Be safe
Roger

In order for me to get to the point where I had my finish technique under control with bubbles, flat spots, fisheyes etc. I had to try different brands of epoxy finish and different methods. I now have 2 brands that I use without trouble and can apply either with a brush or a spatula and obtain a level, bubble free finish. Sometimes someone will recommend a brand and technique that they have great results with and then I try it and it turns out horrible. You definitely have to find the best way for YOU. I'm always up for trying new things and sometimes they work for me, sometimes they don't. I mainly use well made Red Sable brushes of different sizes and a spatula on certain things. I understand why people get frustrated with it because I went through it and every now and then I'll have a little trouble due to temperature, weather etc, but for the most part I've developed a technique that works for me. I have also tried to help others and sometimes it helps, other times it makes it worse for that person. Testing, trial and error over time pays off.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

I JUST applied my first coat ever of epoxy last night on my first custom rod. I used ProKote epoxy. I mixed equal parts in a small mixing cup and rotated the mixing cup around while swishing my mixing stick side to side. I poured the mixed epoxy onto a piece of foil and applied. I have ZERO bubbles. I watched what little bubbles there were come to the surface and release when the epoxy was on the foil. Great technique.