I'm going for my first attempt at ghost wraps on a Blue Halo 3wt. I have a question regarding threadmaster lite and adding denatured alcohol to thin it for these wraps. I'm in California and denatured alcohol is illegal due to its VOC. Can I use Acetone or paint thinner instead? I'm concerned that the wraps won't be clear if I use a different chemical to thin the Threadmaster.

Thanks

There was a similar topic last week that had varying opinions. [www.rodbuilding.org]

Acetone.

Being a natural product, silk absorbs far more epoxy than nylon, that is why it disappears on your rod so much better. I "never" thin epoxy, especially an epoxy that is already formulated to be thin. Test it yourself, put a wrap on the blank where the grip or reel seat will go and see for yourself. You'll never see that part again after you do your build.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/26/2020 01:12AM by Spencer Phipps.

Rick

Use acetone. Mix 3 CC each of resin and hardener for 3 minutes. Add 3 cc of acetone and mix again for 2 minutes. Viscosity will be about like whole milk - almost like water.

Epoxy curing (epoxy does not "dry") is a chemical process where the resin and hardener react to form cured epoxy. The acetone both reduces viscosity and keeps the resin and hardener molecules apart until the acetone evaporates. Thus it will take longer for the epoxy to cure than it otherwise would.

CAUTION: Acetone is bad stuff. It goes through skin in a hurry. If you are sensitive to one of the components of uncured epoxy (and it is not an uncommon sensitivity i.e., allergy) the reaction (allergic dermatitis) can be bad - very bad. I've been there and still have the T shirt. Wear gloves, use face protection, and work in a well ventilated area..

Acetone is the primary ingredient in nail polish remover, hence absorption thru the skin is not it's greatest danger. Breathing the fumes is the greater threat.

Thanks for the help. I went ahead and used straight threadmaster light. It turned out perfect.