Wiping a rod blank with acetone isn't likely to damage it. It might damage certain paints, but not the blank itself. Now if you were going to soak the rod blank in a tub of acetone that'd be a different story, but that's not what anyone's doing. At least I hope not.

Generally you shouldn't thin your epoxy - adding any kind of solvent can change the final properties of the epoxy. But there are some situations where guys find it valuable, such as in getting silk to go completely transparent.

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I don't understand what's happening here.

What does acetone do to silk thread? I just wrapped two bands of silk and coated one with acetone and let it dry. I don't see any difference between the two samples.

Is acetone mixed with epoxy forming a new compound that affects silk? If it's not, then there would be no apparent optical effect to using acetone.

I'd still like to see comparative samples clearly distinguishing the optical effect of using a thinner vs no thinner and silk. The skeptic in me is leaning towards it having no actual effect. Maybe there's a difference in silks and I'm not getting the effect others seem to be getting.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/15/2015 08:11AM by John E Powell.

It has generally been done simply to thin the epoxy for the best possible penetration. I don't do it as I haven't found it necessary, but others do and it's the thinning effect they're after.

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John, I asked about the affect of acetone on silk, because I didn't know what it would be. I have never used silk. Just curious. Randy

Tom,

I tend to agree with you, but that's not what's being reported by some. Some report a difference in appearance. I'd like to see an example.

The appearance may be caused buy the solvent used being Off Color If it is not gin clear it will discolor the finish

Bill - willierods.com