What can be added to the marbling epoxy to thicken it quickly?

Nothing artificial that won't change or harm its overall properties.

Simply allow it to progress to whatever state of set you require to do what you want to do. A warmer environment will speed the process if this is what you want.

...................

Doesn't Voo Doos Marbeling Mud do that?
I've also heard of adding Flex Coat color preserver to the epoxy but I dont know if the brand of epoxy matters.

Guy

Guy,

Putting water (color preserver is mostly water) into epoxy isn't a good idea. Sounds like something you'd find on Youtube.

.........

Warming it will thicken it.

Never heard of marbling mud so looked it up. It appears that Guy is correct and this is the stuff you might want to use.
[voodoorods.com]
Norm

I have always just used FlexCoats Rod Building Epoxy...it has a faster setup time and is more viscous than regular finish alone.

Kyle -
Simply put, you need to use Fused Silica:

A definition:
[en.wikipedia.org]

Here are many many different variations of the same product -- Fumed_silica.

Pick and choose.

[www.amazon.com]

Or go to Voodoo Rods and buy their Marbling Mud.

However, it is the same thing sold by others in larger quantities.

Best wishes.

Most anything you add to epoxy will change it's overall characteristics. Given this is for marbling only, it may no matter by much.

..........

This may help:
[www.youtube.com]

Thanks for all the input. I experimented with color preserver and it did not work. I used acrylic paint and the epoxy set up nicely. ( I waited about 10 minutes before I added the paint) Used heavy build epoxy also.

With product specifically designed to do a specific job available I just don't know why builders utilize products that are not proven for the desired function.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/03/2023 04:17PM by roger wilson.

Michael Danek Wrote:
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> With product specifically designed to do a
> specific job available I just don't know why
> builders utilize products that are not proven for
> the desired function.

This has always amazed me. Seldom is the savings more than a couple of bucks, too. Rod adhesives, epoxies, paints, and finishes need to be flexible, not melt components, endure temperature changes, but yet be able to be released if repairs are needed. The industry specific products have undergone a lot of development and testing to assure these properties.

Casey at VooDoo has gone to the trouble of sourcing a full range of pigments that work great with rod finishes and have never been polluted with solvents. His miracle mud might be available as a bulk product somewhere else. However, he’s sourced it, packaged it appropriately, and tested it thoroughly. He provides very good video instructions on its mixing and application. He sells it for $3.50 and $8.00. He has certainly added that much value. He also sells a bunch of supplies and components with discounts for repeat customers. VooDoo has saved my builds at least twice by having components when every other online vendor was out of stock. His shipping is insanely fast. If he sells something I need, I’m not going to hope to find a suitable equivalent from a non-rod building source. I’m buying it from him for peace of mind and keeping him in business for the next time I need components and supplies. Insert your favorite rod vendor into my example and stop trying stuff like Gorilla glue.

Michael Danek Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> With product specifically designed to do a
> specific job available I just don't know why
> builders utilize products that are not proven for
> the desired function.


On the other hand...
Innovation can come from looking at something and thinking, "I wonder if..."
I'm not saying don't use the VooDoo Mud. They had an idea, tried it, perfected it, and now have it available to us for a very reasonable price. I'm saying keep an open mind when you see something new on a shelf. If it grows ideas in your mind try things out and see what happens. You may end up developing something truly unique that will set your work apart from others, for awhile.

Guy Taylor
Lucerne Valley, CA

Guy, I agree with you. Incorporating new ideas, products, etc, is definitely in order. And can be valuable and productive. My comment was more about the situation where there is a specific, defined, function to be met and there are proven products available. In that case, IMHO, going with unproven products just doesn't make sense. Like using Gorilla glue for wrap finish, sewing thread for wraps, or other products for CP when there are numerous CP's that are proven to work. Going outside the box in this situation might yield good results, but in most cases, the product designed and tested for the function makes the most sense. Kendall said it well.