Hello all,
Im not really understanding about high build and light build epoxy. Can someone shed some light for me please as to what the main difference is? thank you so much.

The high build is a little thicker, which allows you to apply it either thinly or thickly. The low build is thinner, so you can only really apply it in a thin application. Of course, you can apply additional coats to obtain a thicker, higher build coating. Some prefer to do it this way.

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Keith, you may have learned all this already but in case you haven't...

I'd say to things to concentrate on are:.
1) Does my finish set up in the time frame I desire?
2) Does my finish have the flexibility I desire?
3) Does my finish have the UV characteristics I desire?
4) Does my finish have the abrasion resistance I desire?
5) And most important....does it give me the results I want with the techniques I'm comfortable with?

Some points are at odds with others. For example, a flexible finish typically has less abrasion resistance. Some guys use one finish for guide wraps and another on the butt wraps. Some even blend different brand finishes.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

One other difference I have noted, is that the "light" build cures a little slower than the "high build." A benefit of this is a longer working time.

We like to think of "Light" finish on smaller, thinner rods.
"High Build" on butt wraps or thicker blanks.
And always at least 2 coats, not too thick either time to avoid sags.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

thank you Gentleman. Its AWESOME to get such great answers. Russell Brunt, you make me think too much . lol Just joking. Thanks Tom, Russell, Phil and Ron

Phil, in tropical country like i'm living now

FC hi build do has shorter pot life(working time) but longer time to hard cure and TM lite build has longer pot life but shorter to hard cure

FC HB 5 hours on dryer and TM lite only 3 hours

You are better off trying sevel small bottles of several different types And see what you like
I like the Flexcoat ultra It seems to have a better formula then the old stuff I play with my finish ( and no problems at all ) thin it to where I like it

Bill - willierods.com

Bill, sorry if its been posted already but what do you thin the FC with..........Acetone?

A urethane reducer from klasskote medium drying
I usually get from the net but you can try a auto body supply

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/14/2013 11:35AM by bill boettcher.

FWIW Keith, I also use threadmaster lite for the very same reasons Ernest does.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Paul Pipke Wrote:
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> Bill, sorry if its been posted already but what do
> you thin the FC with..........Acetone?


Ok thank you, I will try a local auto body supply shop.

Ok so I ran out of the reg build and had to use hi build, and it really does a shorter working time. I feel that one must really know what they are doing in order to use that. Im not that good yet, but getting their. thanks again guys.

I prefer light build because usually I have a few defects in the first application, a nub of thread, a bit of dust, a missed little area, something that requires another coat. By using light build that second coat will not build up too much, I can even do a third if necessary without the coating getting too thick.

You can do thin coats with high build...just don't put as much on.