Down aways I posted about my first experience with crystal coat. Just did a second rod. Well actually the other half of the first rod. Four piece pack rod. Butt half came out great but being a perfectionist I wanted a second coat. Which is my typical method with any finish.

I took the time to setup a proper space to set everything up and was able to use both sections of the CRB rod drying tent and in turn assemble the rod and finish the whole thing.

I did same process as before mixed 3 to 2 resin hardener. Mixed three minutes moved to new cup mixed three minutes, poured out on foil tray. One thing I did different was I heated the finish prior to mixing. I placed the bottles in front of the CRB heater for about ten minutes. They were very warm to the touch. Finish went on great. Was a little heavy handed towards the tip and had to wick off some excess with a coffee filter.

With the rod tent being assembled completely I was able to get the temp up to around 85 degrees. I don't know if that made a difference or if heating the finish prior to mixing did. But after 24 hours I have a perfectly set finish.

The second coat gave me a perfect glass like finish on the lower portion of the rod. The top half with just one coat is good enough. Other than a minor speck or thread fuzz here or there. You have to feel for the imperfections. A second coat would take care of those. But I don't see the need. Rod is going to packed in the truck in case of emergencies, like damn I made a wrong turn on the way to work.

I have never had any finish level as well as this one. A second coat is only really needed if there are imperfections such as thread fuzz. There is not a single dip or high spot on any of the wraps. Not even the slightest hint of footballing on the ferrule wraps that I know I went heavy on.

Everyone has their preference when it comes to finish. Some bang their head against the wall trying to find one that works for them, like I did. Figured someone might find my experiences helpful when deciding on a finish to try.

I have not tried heating the components prior to mixing, but do find that curing with heat accelerates the curing, in fact I find it necessary, otherwise it can take days to set up enough that it will not fingerprint. Totally agree regarding the leveling!

I used some for the first time last week. It was an eye opening experience. Cure time took 24 hours as you stated and applied like water. I will probably use this on all my personal fly rods. I still love my pro kote though, I can do a repair with one coat and return the rod the next morning. You cannot do this with the clearcoat. Really cool epoxy and definitely has a place in my shop for certain applications.