How to apply epoxy finish to your rod
Background and preparation:
A quality sable brush is a must, it will not drop hair in your work and is if cared for will last a longtime.
Keep the brush immersed in a jar of mentholated spirits. This preserves the brush and also keep out any contaminants.
Wipe the decals with methylated spirits to remove any glue residue which could cause contamination.
Make sure you use Syringes which are nontoxic and non-pyrogenic. In simple term they use silicones for plunger lubrication. If in doubt avoid the syringes altogether by using the measuring cup to measure epoxy quantities, in this case you may need to increase the mixture quantity to ensure the mix is thorough.
Application
- Pre heat the resin to a range of 25 -27C
- If you prefer a thinner mixture simply 4 - 7 drops of Isopropyl alcohol, this will also increase the working time and make it easier for the bubbles to dissipate
- A total mixture quantity of 6ml should be enough epoxy to complete a 4kg spin stick.
- Make sure the 2 parts are mixed properly (suggested mixing time 4 1/2 minutes of constant stirring with a paddle pop stick). An electric mixer with a marble does a far better job than hand mixing.
- Do not stir to quickly as you will draw air into the mix. Keep the
- Once mixed pour into a shallow container such as a disposable alloy cupcake tray. This gives a greater surface area and allows the bubbles to release from thin mix. It is easy to heat the base of the alloy tray further thinning the mix, which alloys bubbles to dissipate.
- Should you require a thinner mix simply 3 -4 drops of Isopropyl alcohol, this will also increase the working time and make it easier for the bubbles to dissipate.
- Apply the mix by spreading rather than painting it onto the surface.
- Once all guides are done, go over your work looking for any remaining bubbles with a alcohol burner. They are particularly useful as you can apply heat just to the areas that contain bubbles and are less likely to introduce dust. Heat guns can be used if you have a dust free environment.
- After first coat go back over your work looking for areas that are still have thread exposed. Apply a single drop to this area. Now look at the bottom of the blank and if it shows a droplet, gently move the droplet with the brush to even out the epoxy coverage.
- If for some reason you have found an imperfection an hour into drying, simply reheat the epoxy and fix the problem. Remember to apply heat very gradually or you will burn the epoxy.