A newbie question, can someone tell me the differences between High Build finish and Lite Build finish? When one is used over another?
Thanks very much!
Cheers
Craig Snapp

As the names indicate, one builds a thicker layer.

I prefer lite build because I aways seem to have a flaw in my first coat anyway and lite allows me to easily put on a second coat while retaining cylindrical wraps (not "footballs.") . However, one can avoid footballs with any epoxy; just don't put as much on, use just a thin coat.

You can use a high build finish to obtain a thin coating and you can use a low build finish to obtain a thick coating. It all comes down to how much you apply and/or how many applications you use. In a nutshell, it comes down to the viscosity of the finish.

Craig,
Although I may not be as experienced as the veteran builders, I have tested numerous brands in both light and high-build viscosities to find the one which works the best for my “style”. Consider doing the same because it really boils-down to personal preference. Nonetheless, I have noticed an almost unanimous “basic” difference between light and “heavy” thread finishes. Light versions tend to mix with less bubbles, flow-out / self-level better, release bubbles better, and have a longer pot life BUT do not build thickness as quickly (usually an attribute for me) and take longer to cure (not an issue for me). You guessed it = I prefer the light versions.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.