Hello rod builders,

I started trying to master marbling recently. My problem is the finish is not setting. I am using a 50/50 mix of epoxy. Then adding pigment and epoxy via small plate and mixing then applying. Seems as though either I have a bad batch of epoxy, the pigment is messing up the set, or something else. Any words of advise?

Thanks,

Brad

The more pigment you put in the mix, the more the characteristics of the epoxy are going to change. One of those changes is a slightly softer final cure. Put enough pigment in there and the epoxy will be even softer.

Is your epoxy tacky, or simply a bit soft?

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

Well, started off tacky, weather warmed a bit then it went soft and actually started to drip. Do you increase the hardener to compensate?

I've had that problem in the past, but was my fault both times. Once had my mix wrong (too much part A) second time had added testors paint without pouring off the clear stuff first. I definately wouldn't add more hardener to try to make the cure better. mix epoxy as usual and then add a small amount of pigment (a little will go a long way) it will cure just fine.

Walt Davenport
"Roadhouse Rods"

Thanks guys. I generally use one generous dip of the toothpick into the pigment and mix it with the nickle sized portion of the epoxy on the plate. Is that too much pigment?

I guess I could always hold on to the left over epoxy in the mixing cup and see how that cures after a few hours. That would tell me if it was the mix of epoxy or the pigment.

You should give it about 5 hours

Bill - willierods.com

Still way tacky after 5 hours lately

Brad,
Just to double check.
Are you mixing the epoxy and pigment for a full two minutes?

When I first started with building, I had some issues with finish cure and it was caused by insufficient mixing of the epoxy.

Whenever I mix now, I mix by the clock and mix for at least 120 seconds as measured by the clock.

Never any problems since.

Roger

No, adding more hardener will only ensure that the epoxy remains tacky.

...........

I believe you said the finish is still dripping . If so you may have mixed 2 parts of either resin or hardener , I have always added a top coat over the base coat of marbled finish. I have a fluke rod that I use at least weekly and it is holding up fine. Gives it a little depth also.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

To clear any confusion. I mix 50/50 epoxy for a good min and a half at least. Drop about a nickle size portion on a plate. Go to my rod and apply a coat. Go back to the plate and drop a toothpick with about a 1/4' of pigment into the nickle sized portions and mix for about 30 seconds each. Then start marbling. After letting it rotate for several hours it is still tacky. After 48 hours it started to sag into a drip. In prior builds I have had no problems with finish. The only thing that is different from my past finishes is now I am trying pigment and have a new bottle of finish. Everything else is the same.

1. Am I adding too much pigment possibly?
2. Does every one else go 50/50 on epoxy mix?
3. Is it possible to get a bad bottle of finish?
4. Should you store epoxy in the fridge? I know mine starts to turn yellow after awhile.

Thanks for your help

Brad

50:50 is the only correct ratio of epoxy components.

You do not need to store epoxy in the fridge and doing so will crystalize the resin.

All epoxies turn yellow.

You are either adding too much pigment or you have mixed 2 parts of the same component.

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

Is it still okay to use a year later after turning yellow? I have fresh stuff because I discarded to old yellow one thinking they may be no good. Sounds like too much pigment. I try just a little dab and see what happens. Thanks for all your help.

It will never go bad, although it will turn yellow/amber.

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

That is good to know, thank you very much. Im pretty confident it is too much pigment. I will re-attack and let you guys know. Thanks for all the good help.

Brad

Unless the pigment was mixed with a carrier or thinner I can't see thatch causing it to sag after 48 hours. Compare the levels in your bottles to make certain you used both parts.I have loaded finish up with much more pigment than you used and had no concerns. If all saved even the stuff you applied without pigment it is a mix concern.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

It sounds like something is a little off but you may be able to save it by putting it in your car or out in the sun if you haven't tried that already. Sometimes a little extra heat and time is just enough to get it to cure. Good Luck! If it is still dripping or running this obviously wont' work 'dont get it on your car'. haha

Tight Lines and Bull's-eyes,

Get Bit Outdoors
407-542-7840
www.GetBitOutdoors.com
www.facebook.com/GetBitOutdoors