I used Pro Kote High Build 2 part epoxy/thread finish on a rod. First coat was good. I think I did not thoroughly mix the second coat before application - it is tacky after 4 days. Then, I tried another coat. Third coat set up good, but when touched it gets mushy because of the underlying tacky coat. I'd like to start over. Is there any way to save the threadwork, but remove the sticky mess? THANK YOU!!

Not really. Best you can hope for is to keep the rod in a warm place for a few days and see if that accelerates the cure. Although, if the mix was off, that's not likely to work.

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Is there a solvent that helps remove the tacky epoxy?

Not really. Tacky is partly cured and not much will touch that with any significant success. At this point it certainly won't hurt you to try, so use some acetone, goo-gone, etc., on one of the wraps and see what happens. I'm pretty sure what the outcome will be but at this point you have nothing to lose. Still, give it a few more days before you do this.

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I agree with Tom, tacky is not fully cured, but this may be an advantage to removing it. One thing you can try is to heat one of the guides with a hair dyer, this may soften the epoxy enough so you can remove it with your finger nail or some other hard but dull instrument. You do not want cut your treads. It may just peel away allowing you to get down to the first epoxy layer or treads. If you used color preserver you should be able to remove all of the epoxy, because cp prevents the epoxy from entering the treads. Try it and see what happens you do not have that many options.
Norm

Thanks - I'll try it.

Thanks - I'll try it.

Michael,
If the removal, does not work, remove the guides, wrap and thread. Completely clean the rod, wipe down with DNA, and then use a wash with soap and water and let dry for three days before doing any new guide work or finish work.

Best thing to do, is to cut your guides off of the rod, clean up the rod and rewrap.

Then, when you mix your finish, mix completely for 2 minutes or 120 seconds, being sure to frequently wipe the sides of the dish and the mixing stick so that you get all of the finish completely mixed.

Then, apply your finish - and let dry for three days and if necessary, apply a 2nd coat.

But, if you do it correctly, you may very well find that 1 coat is sufficient. No need to add more coats, if the first coat fills completely, and you are happy with the finish.

Good luck