I've been liking the Gen 4 a lot. I went a little too thin on a second application (I'm using the Lite Build) and would like to add another thin coat. According to the directions you aren't supposed to put another coat on after a couple of days and it's been over a week. When I was using Flex Coat I have successfully put additional coats of Flex Coat on after 4 or 5 days when I needed to without problems. Is this going to be an issue with the Gen 4?

Dave Sytsma

I believe Andy Dear (guy who put Gen 4 on the market) talked about this subject on the "Mastering Rod Building" podcast. If I remember correctly Andy indicated that a lot of people successfully apply additional coats several days/weeks after previous coat application with no issues however to be sure the next coat adheres he recommended lightly scuffing previous coat with a scotchbrite pad or some other light abrasive. I listened to that over a month ago so you may want to have a listen just to confirm. Here is link to podcast [podcasts.apple.com]

You can also find it on other podcast providers as well....

Optimally, you’d put the next coat on sooner, but you’ll be fine doing it now. It’s not going to hurt anything.

I have used Gen4 on several blanks at this point, and had no issues in applying a second or third coat after several dats had passed. As stated above, if concerned, just scuff it up a bit with light sandpaper, or just try it on one wrap and see if anything negative happens.

Kevin,
I accessed the podcast and learned a lot. When I was using Flex Coat most of the time (still do in certain applications) I always machine mixed it for 5 minutes with my shop between 68 and 75 degrees. Turned out great 99% of the time. Andy said not to machine mix it; do it manually with a stir stick, and that ideally my shop should be 70 degrees. It's his product so I'm not going to bend the rules, but so far I've machine mixed it every time and haven't had any problems, even when I mixed 1.5 or 2cc for test wraps. I'd watch it mix and it seemed to be folding nicely without any noticeable unmixed components. I don't do social media (I guess I'm a Luddite), but as long as I can access the podcasts I think I'll be okay. Should that not be adequate I might have to suck it up and open a Facebook account just to read the dialogue on the Gen4 page.

I’ve machine mixed Gen4 for 3 years now / about 3 min a mix - with no issues. It is true that the metal mixing piece will not scrape the sides of the cup as well as hand mixing - when I pour out the epoxy into my dish I then use the brush to help get it all out of the cup and sometimes I’ll see some consistency differences that result / but I’ll stir it a bit in the dish - just a little - and then I apply at speed on my power wrapper and figure that mixes any that needs to remain. Not had a (knock on wood) bad mix yet moving anywhere from 1 to 6 cc of each part

Over the years, I have applied a new finish on some rods that were years old during a refresh of the rods.

I will simply say that I clean the rod with Windex, wipe it with a paper towel, let it dry overnight and apply the finish.

Yes, I read the recommendations about scuffing up the previous finish. I have to admit that in the years of rod building I seldom, if ever scuff up a previous finish. I simply apply the finish and let it dry.

I have never seen or had any issues with the finish lifting after the application and drying of the finish.

But, if you wish to scuff the finish, go for it - scuffing - in theory - will insure a better final result.

Best wishes.