Im using Thread Master High Build. Temperture about 84 and very humid. I only had 10 guides to do and it usually takes me abt 10 to 15 minutes. With in 1/2 hour the mix was beginning to become un manageable and if there were any spots I wanted to touch up it would not be with that mix. I am aware of the fact the increase in temp. would speed up the hardening process. But I didnt expect that fast. For some reason the finish is slightly sticky which Im blaming on the humidity. Anyone have have the same experience? This the second time this has happened .thanks

No, humidity has zero effect on the setting and curing time of an epoxy.

Sticky epoxy is the result of either improper measurement or mixing of the epoxy, or not enough time allowed for a tack-free set.

For every 20F increase in temperature above about 70F, you should expect the pot life to be halved. If you had 40 minutes at 70F, you'll have about 25 or so at 84F.

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

if you have an air conditioner next time turn it on and cool the place down It will help

If it is in the same room - turn it on when the place gets cool then turn it off You don't want any dust to be kicked up

Bill - willierods.com

Another thing that effects pot life is the container it is in, if in a 1oz cup it will harden faster then if it was spread out on a piece of foil. That also depends on how much you are mixing at 1 time.

Scott Parsons
919-900-8998
[www.roddancer.com]
[www.fishhawkthreads.com]

Ive waited about a week to see if the tackiness goes away I believe its getting slightly better or is this just wishful thinking . Options re-coat, heat lamp ????? what else

It has happened to me, from not mixing Flex Coat well enough and waiting longer did not solve it. I added another coat over the tacky one and it was fine. It was really hot here a few weeks ago and regular Threadmaster was hard in a couple hours. Then it got cold and threadmaster light was still tacky 8 hours later so on came the heater and lightbulbs. Five hours later it was fine.

Maryann,
I generally make a point to mix any epoxy finish for a minimum of 120 seconds or 2 minutes.

I also make a point to not mix more finish than what I can use in 5 minutes. I don't like even a bit of thickening on the finish as I apply it. I find that for most finishes, it is about 5 minutes for me.

I would rather mix a half dozen times, rather than have one guide that is not perfect. I do apply finish very quickly, so normally 5 minutes is plenty to finish a rod.

I know that some folks will use the same mix to finish more than one rod, but I just prefer to have a new mix for each rod.

Take care
Roger

I use FlexCoat and mix for five minutes in a homemade machine. I put the finish into a disposable aluminum tart dish (purchased in bulk). It doesn't get too thick to work with for 20+ minutes at 80 degrees (normal summer indoor temps for my house), but I usually finish a 7' rod in about 5-6 minutes. I would suggest making two batches. When the first starts to reach an undesirable thickness, ditch it and start another batch to mixing. Epoxy is cheap, mistakes aren't.

If any finish is not dry to the touch overnight it is probably not mixed correctly

Mix more and apply another - Thin coat

Bill - willierods.com

I can almost guarantee the mix was in proper proportion and it was mixed crystal clear . I believe Tom is right" not enough time allowed for a tack-free set"..another thin coat will do the trick. I want to thank everyone for chiming in. There are some great ideas Im going integrate into my coating process Keep talk'in I'm learn'in ,

You should not be waiting a week or even several days for a tack free surface

I mix in a cup Never use or pore onto aluminum foil Never have too
if i coat at 6:00 it is dry to the touch in the morning
never needed mix for 2 min 5 min Just mix

Bill - willierods.com

How much of each part are you mixing, Mary?

50 / 50 I use syringes I can mix 1 CC or 5 CC does not seem to matter

I also thin a high build with Lacquer thinner or Enamel reducer Never had any problems
With drying or hardness

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/10/2012 06:39PM by bill boettcher.