Last year at the magazine reception I won a kit of the new Aftcote epoxy finish. The guy in the Aftco booth told me the next day that it was a completely new formulation and was very improved over the original. I'm just getting around to trying it and so far so good. I wonder if any others of you out there have tried it and have any comments on it. I have only done one rod job with it so far and have no idea what to expect long term in clarity or coloration, hardness, and all that.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/15/2012 05:45PM by Ken Finch.

As far as using aftcoat I love it. It seemed to fit my style perfectly. For that reason I have stuck with it. We all know finishes act differently and our technique needs to conform or we need to find a finish that works better for your application preferences. Aftcoat was that finish for me. Good pot life, low bubble retention, flexible, and excellent at self leveling.

Some times you would think that I was whipping it to a froth when mixing and I have been known to just glop it on a wrap and let it sag, drip, and level. It just does what it is supposed to.

Works for me. Everyone has their favorites...

Thanks. Have you noticed any long term yellowing or anything else that I might need to be aware of? I do like the way it handles and goes on. Very easy to use.

I tend not to use very light colors so I have no issues with yellowing...but I wouldn't really see it very well anyway.

Double post



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/16/2012 11:37AM by Jay Lancaster.

Don't all finishes eventually yellow? I know some do it more slowly than others, or newer formulations do it more slowly than some of the older ones, but don't they all darken eventually? However, when applied thinly, how noticeable is it on the final product? It is one think to notice that the fluid in the bottle is getting brown, but after it is mixed and applied to wraps, can you tell? I have reached the point where this isn't an issue for me. Edit to add: Aftcote is on my list of products to try. As I understand it from others, it levels exceptionally well, but, in cool weather, takes a bit longer to cure, and I put a higher priority on leveling than minimal discoloration.
Tight lines,
Hunter

From ghoulies and ghosties,
and long leggedy beasties,
and things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord deliver us!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/16/2012 02:00PM by Hunter Armstrong.

Hi,

There are many fine finishes on the market today, maybe too many. The secret to any finish is to take the time to learn all about it especially it's idiosyncrasies. If I find a product that works I stick with it as long as I can.

I have been using Aftcote for quite a few years. It does not turn yellow, it mixes well using an electric mixer, the bubbles dissipate easily, and yes I have to rotate the rods longer in the drying box and I do use light bulbs for heat. I did a 30 day test leaving the mix from day 1 in the cup. Each day I would use my thumb nail to see if I could dent the finish. At day 30 I could still make a dent mark but just barely. This told me what I wanted to know. The drying action was slow and stayed softer longer than other finishes at the time. I feel that this little inconvenience will retard cracks in the finish longer, and it does. I feel that until we get soft, flexible guide feet, cracks in the guide wrap finish will be a fact of life.

Aftcote is a very fine finish!

Capt Neil Faulkner