I have done 6 rods now with crystal coat.

First at 72 degrees and 24 hours cure.

Then 80 degrees and 18 hours

90 degrees and 12 hours

Phil said that 100 degrees give a 6 hour cure time

CTS says that anywhere between 64 and 100 degrees is fine.

The results I have received at all temperatures were superb.

My rod room is 65 degrees and a pot time over 90 minutes.
What I really like is using weight, and can do small amounts. Just add hardener then. Multiply that hardener amount weight by (4/3) = 1.34 and add that much resin.

A faster set time might be nice, but the light viscosity makes a light first coat with rapid penetration is the trade off. It also make using a small metal spatula a fantastic tool and I have moved away from using a brush. I can use spatula even on long butt wraps to add and level the epoxy with ease.

Thanks to everyone for suggestion and help.

Mike

This is a follow up on my working with the CTS Crystal Coat and doing 5 fly rods.

I measure everything in grams on a scale and measure to 2 places or 1/100th. Room temperature for mixing is 68 degrees. I use a 2 coat process as outlined by Bill Falconer. On the first coat I put on very thin with most threads showing. Put in the dryer at 6 rpm for 18 hours, then the second coat is the freeze frame process which works very well. I mix and let stand 1 hour, it has the consistency of warm syrup, apply excess material, heat with heat gun until I see a bulb form, stand the guide on the top and let it drip, then run my spatula on the bottom of the threads, start rotation heat and move to next guide. When doing a guide waiting for the drip and check the previous 3 guides for any bulb formation, if so I’ll wipe the bottom and heat again.

The amazing part of this is the working time. On my flyrods, 1 stripper and 9 guides, so 20 threads to cover. Even with mixing the material waiting 1 hour, I still have at least 1 hour working time.

I am very pleased with this product and it very well with my slow methodical personality. This is the never have to rush finish.

Mike