I’ve been using Flex Coat since the early eighties, but now we have several choices. Are there any recommendations out there? Thanks

First recommendation is stick with whatever finish your using if your happy with the results. There are a lot of options but I truly believe there is not a bad finish on the market. They all have pluses and minuses. They all have a learning curve. They all require you to learn how to use the finish for the best results. Some people have no trouble meshing with a new finish, others just can't make their techniques work with certain finishes and get the results they want.

All that said I would look at the relatively new Gen 4 finish. I use the light version and have been extremely happy with it. Really have no complaints about it. IMO it requires very little input when when applying get the wrap wet set a clean edge and just leave it alone. Best leveling I have ever experienced. Supposed to be great bubble release as well. Can't comment as bubbles is about the only finish issue I have not encountered. Also the finish just seems brighter to me. Can't really explain it but but the clarity and brightness of the wraps just looks better than any other finish I have used.

I also really really liked the CTS crystalcoat. Great finish in the end especially if you want a light finish. But just struggled to make it work with my techniques. I would of took the time to learn it as I was so fond of the end results. But the deal breaker for me was the very long dry time or the need for heat to get it to dry in a reasonable amount of time . Was not comfortable leaving a heat source going such as drying box or aux electric heat running when I was not home. Other than that issue probably the best light finish on the market.

I agree. Stick with what works for you.

I'll say the same, if you are happy with Flex Coat and get good results, stick with it. I played around with a few different finishes over the years, they all work well, but they have certain quirks that you'll need to figure out. I settled on Threadmaster until the Gen 4 showed up. My experience is exactly the same as Michaels with it. Bubbles have never been an issue for me either.

The one thing I love about Gen 4 over the other brands I have tried, it looks much clearer, more glass like, especially when it is going on a Natural Fiberglass blank, the clear or nude prepeg that has not been dyed or painted.

I switched to Gen 4 as well. A little more working time and with the auto mixer, I have zero bubbles.

My experience:

Flexcoat... sets up faster.....less bubbles.....yellows A LOT

ProKote....working time extended.....prone to more bubbles.....yellows WAY LESS

Thanks for the input. I’ve never liked the way FlexCoat yellows, but it always laid out nicely. I think I’ll try the Gen4. Thanks again!

I use Threadmaster Lite and D-2.

i use cp which allows me to use only one coat of flex coat..even if it yellows one coat isn,t thick enough to show it..