Buongiorno Fratelli! I always have trouble getting a totally smooth, non wavy finish on longer runs when applying finish over my decals or labels on my builds. Makes me crazy! Any tips? They do look better since going horizontally. It could be I am just not good or I am trying to be too good. Help? Thanks!

Here is the method I use to get a good smooth and level finish over decals.

First a thin application of the epoxy on the blank where the decal will sit.
When this coat is cured to the point where it will not finger print, I apply the decal, burnishing well into the pliable epoxy.
Apply the overcoat of epoxy from a new mix so that flows and levels well, being careful to not apply too much!

thanks Phil. I will need to try that on an old rod before I attempt it on a new build. You are probably a lot better builder than I am. My turner is only 18RPM but is a clutch and that part has helped me but I am thinking I need more rpm's.

Roger and Norman, do yall prefer a spatula or brush to apply finish in general

This is how we do it:

[www.youtube.com]

[www.youtube.com]

[www.youtube.com]

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

Thanks! I really need a faster motor. And....more experience .hanks again!

An 18 to 20 RPM motor is fine for applying epoxy, a faster motor just make application a little faster. The secret is to apply a thin coat. The thicker the coat the harder it is to get a good level coat. I think most people use too much epoxy over labels, and that is a mistake. Finish epoxies are all self leveling (some better than other) so just let it do its thing. After coating I stop the motor for a few minutes and if the finish sags I remove the excess. I use a brush to apply epoxy but I don’t brush the epoxy on, I just apply it and let it self level on its own. For curing, I believe I get a smoother more level finish using a low RPM (4-9 rpms) drying motor. In fact when I first started building rods I turned the rod by hand. Because of this I learned very quickly how much epoxy was too much.
Norm

Thanks Norm. I already learned my lesson on too much. I use thin coats. I might be too thin after watching the flex coat video. All of my guide wraps turn out good after finishing, it's just the long runs. I apply it horizontally...make sure the blank is all covered and then use a heat gun only briefly. That seems to thin the epoxy and it smooths some. Thanks again! I really appreciate you all sharing knowledge and experience!