I've been using flex coat to successfully repair/replace guides on rods, and recently posted a question about thread and color preserver on a particular star rod I am repairing. The problem I am now having with it is that the 3 guides I put the epoxy coat on after 4 days are still tacky and seems to not be wanting to fully cure. The temp in my house is around 72F, normal indoor Florida humidity. If it continues to not harden fully after another day or two can anyone offer suggestions as to what to do?

I was thinking just let it go for 7 days total and apply another coat? The original coat that isn't curing was measured with 3cc syringes very accurately, no idea what happened. What happens if you apply another coat on top of a still tacky coat? bad results? First time with a non-curing coat and I really don't want to make things worse, any suggestions are appreciated..

Thanks

Chris,
If the part A and part B were measured accurately, the problem is likely caused by insufficient mixing of the two parts.

Mix for at least 120 seconds or 2 minutes, slowly folding all of the mixing contents over each other to insure full mixing. Also, frequently wipe off the mixing stick on the side of the mixing cup to insure that some unmixed finish be left on the stick to cause issues.

Be safe

This sounds like your finish is under mixed. A tacky finish is indicative of improper or insufficient mixing. Basically, mix it longer and more thoroughly. Scrape the walls of the cup and bottom but avoid introducing bubbles. The finish will appear marbled, then cloudy, then marbled again, and then clear, mix it until it is crystal clear.

There is a big difference between finish mixed 99.9% and finish mixed 100%. Always mix up equal portions and never measure less than 3 cc's of each part.

Once properly mixed you can pour it out on a paper plate covered in aluminum foil. This will extend the pot life and help get rid of bubbles.

Click the link below to watch our short video on mixing Flex Coat

[www.flexcoat.com]

As far as your rod, if you can scratch the finish off with your thumb nail then you will have to take off the finish and wraps and start over. If it doesn't scratch off, then put on another coat that is properly mixed. It will last 20 years instead of 100 years.

I hope this helps, let me know. You can always give us a call.
512-858-7742

Flex Coat Company
Professional Rod Building Supplies
www.flexcoat.com

Great video Flexcoat! Anyone who has not seen it and thinks they know all there is to know about mixing epoxy should take 5 minutes to watch it.

You did some thing wrong
Weather you did not measure right or mix long enough
It is always - user error -
All finishes will set and be Not Tacky in about 5 7 hours If not another coat is needed At that temp
Figure what you did wrong --- and don't do it again
I mix in cooler temps and also thin my finish -- 5 - 7 hours and they always set to the touch

Bill - willierods.com

John Cates Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This sounds like your finish is under mixed. A
> tacky finish is indicative of improper or
> insufficient mixing. Basically, mix it longer and
> more thoroughly. Scrape the walls of the cup and
> bottom but avoid introducing bubbles. The finish
> will appear marbled, then cloudy, then marbled
> again, and then clear, mix it until it is crystal
> clear.
>
> There is a big difference between finish mixed
> 99.9% and finish mixed 100%. Always mix up equal
> portions and never measure less than 3 cc's of
> each part.
>
> Once properly mixed you can pour it out on a paper
> plate covered in aluminum foil. This will extend
> the pot life and help get rid of bubbles.
>
> Click the link below to watch our short video on
> mixing Flex Coat
>
> [www.flexcoat.com]
> nal-videos/mixing-rod-finish/
>
> As far as your rod, if you can scratch the finish
> off with your thumb nail then you will have to
> take off the finish and wraps and start over. If
> it doesn't scratch off, then put on another coat
> that is properly mixed. It will last 20 years
> instead of 100 years.
>
> I hope this helps, let me know. You can always
> give us a call.
> 512-858-7742


Thanks everyone for the info. I am guessing I didn't mix it long enough, I went ahead and peeled off all the work and will do it again once my dryer is free'd up. I'll definitely keep more of an eye on how long I mix from now on.

I'm wondering, has anyone tried an old baby bottle warmer to keep the epoxy thin for application and/or mixing purposes?

make life easer -- just use a Light Finish

All that stuff about heating - torches - Why ??
A light finish will lay and level out better then the high build
A lot easer to use

I thin my high build Works well drys at the given time -- No problems
And sense they Usually are the same price YOU make out with more for your money

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/27/2014 07:19PM by bill boettcher.

I disagree that Pro Kote will be not tacky in 5-7 hours. But be patient.

How long does it take with procoat I have not used it But find all others I have used 6 hours average and dry to the touch

Bill - willierods.com