I have been using Devcon 2 and am looking for info on other kinds of epoxy for a top coat. I am planning of switching and would like to know about your experiences with these or any others you would recommend.

SystemThree ? Which type?

Flex coat ?

Envirotex ?

Thanks

I have been using "FamoWood" epoxy for years.......it's used for covering bar tops....works great......Available at Home Depot........

SystemThree ? Which type?

Flex coat ?

Envirotex ?

Thanks

I found Devcon too thick
Flexcoat too soft
Envirotex good, but on the thick side
Mirror coat maybe too hard (cracks sometimes)
Clear coat too fussy.

I use the clear coat in small batches and it is a biitch.

1)Weigh it (4.3-10 ratio) (syringes don't work. ?silicone in them)
2) Pour your hardener first
3)use metal stirrer for 3 minutes, transfer to a clean cup, and stir a bit more (wood absorbs the hardener)
4) Keep your plug oil free, and be sure it is truely dry if using water based paint (setting it in the oven at 180 degrees x 20 minutes helps). Don't use a scratch coat, it won't adhere to some (i.e., Krylon Clear).
5) apply with a foam brush and don't apply too thin (it pulls apart)
6) spin at slow rpm (4-6 is better than 17rpm)
7) check each plug after a few minutes and retouch any bare spots that appear
8)Pop bubbles with a torch
9) let it dry 8-12 hours on the spinner in a warm room (strange things happen if the room is below 70degrees), then let it set for 24 hours total.

Gives a nice durable result, but if I was starting over I'd just go with Envirotex.....or just shoot myself instead.

there is an acrylic clear paint that is that sh**!!!!

Not rock hard like Devcon, you can dip plugs or spray it :love:

Numbskull,,,,, thats for the info,,,,,, I have had no problems with the devcon but was looking for something with a little extra working time and to be able to do more plugs per mix,,,, also to get a thinner coat,,,,

now all I need to do is find a place to get it,, mail order

now all I need to do is find a place to get it,, mail order

Jamestown distributors. But try it on a few plugs first, the learning curve is merciless.

George, what is the reasoning behind pouring the hardner first?

Jamestown distributors. But try it on a few plugs first, the learning curve is merciless.

Saw all kinds except envirotex but I will look again,,,, What do you mean by the learning curve,,,,, equal parts? Time to Mix? Time to Harden?

Or is it just a pain to work with,,,,

Saw all kinds except envirotex but I will look again,,,, What do you mean by the learning curve,,,,, equal parts? Time to Mix? Time to Harden?

Or is it just a pain to work with,,,,

I think System Three Clear Coat is meant to be mixed in larger amounts than the few oz I mix for a few plugs at a time. It is very sensitive to mixing errors, and when I first started using it I had many disasters (sticky, lumpy, or crazing/pitting after water exposure). The steps above eliminated them for me, but I've got loads of ugly plugs to show for it. For some reason I started having many fewer disasters after I started adding the resin to the hardener, rather than vice versa. I suspect it mixes better that way (and I think I read something about this in their product info "epoxy book"). Also, I wouldn't think of using it without a scale to get exact mixes (I tried syringes and measuring spoons to no avail). Keep in mind this is only my experience, perhaps others have had better luck, but nothing I've ever done in plug building was as difficult as getting that stuff to work.

If you are looking for Enviortex Lite, I think the craft places like Michaels carry it.

Thanks George, i mix vice versa and wondered what was best.

I've had good results with sysyem 3 once i started mixing it in a warmed porcelain coffee cup,small amounts,
6- 8 plugs worth.

Thins it out a little while mixing and flows better when brushing..

you guys are great,,, I can totally understand the resin to the hardner,,,, and I have tried a few types of epoxy,, also trying to cut out the ones others have not had good luck with,,, but of course we all still search for the holy grail,,, (I am sure you guys have heard that before from the King)

even have a different type waiting to be applied right now,,,, weird stuff but drys rock hard,,,,Might be a couple weeks if I can't get it done before I have to go back to work,,,,

How nice it would be to find something you can spray that would be good,,,,

Strike_King, Polyacrylic , Im playting w/ the same stuff. you can dip or put on as meny coats as you like. did a few, an seem to be holding up so far.Ill post some later this week.
GOOD LUCKGOOD PLUGGIN:wave:

Too thick a coat with systems 3 miror coat and it becomes super brittle and prone to cracking. I totally clean everything with denatured before I even think of mixing a batch. hands, mixing cups, epoxy brush, everything.

I am a cave man. I wash nothing. my shop is a mess. I use Famo wood like stated above, mixed with denatured alcohol... more or les to taste. It MUST be extremely forgiving since I have zero problems.

I use Futura

I dip mine in whatever finish I am putting on cabinets at the time.

epoxy is a pain although I have never had any trouble with System 3 clearcoat

I've also used Envirotex, System 3 boat builders epxoy, devcon 2 ton epoxy, U-pol auto finish, automotive clearcoat 2 part, urethane, lacquer , spray cans of clear, some secret stuff, and varnish.
all have different results

I like easy, so if I am gonna fish it, it gets dipped and hung. I'd rather spend my time fishing.

Futura works just fine. I have been trying it out on a few plugs and it holds up as well as any epoxy. Simple to re coat. Just dunk and a hang. :spidey:

interesting, Futura,, went to the website and saw lots of different types,,,, They even had one that could be sprayed,,,,,, Looks like one of the many I will be trying this winter,,, Dipping sounds promising,,,, I am trying to get them all in to keep experimenting this winter,,,,,,

#^&#^&#^&#^& nite (yes no joke) fushermuns lurecoat is the latest I'm playing with. It gives a strong finish and you can dip/spray

I've had nice results with devcon 2 ton lately. Here is what I have found works best. Temp 65-70+, low humidiy, measure out and mix on glass (bottom of a starbucks frappucino bottle to be exact) Mix with metal flat stirrer slowly, apply with foam brush. I also just started to wave a small torch under it after applying epoxy when I start to spin it. I have found that really smooths it out nice and helps get rid of bubbles. I only do a few at a time so this works well, cant do too much because it starts to set up after a few plugs anyway.

I've tried envirotex a few times. I like the finish, but it is finicky. I find if you mix small batches like 1/2 oz, it is more prone to problems. When I mix larger like 1 oz and more, it seems to come out much better, maybe not much room for any mixing errors at that small quantity? I tend to waste more since I only have 3 or 4 plugs to do.
I have seen other formulas called ex-74 and ex-88, anybody try those?

eric

Do you guys ever have a problem with the Devcon 2 ton epoxy yellowing with age. I have used the devcon 5min at work on projects and find it yellows with age.
Al,

don't use the 5 minute = not waterproof enough for plugs at all. use the 30 or 60 minute or whatever it is

How did you make out with the Polycrylic? I'm thinking about trying Minwax Polycrylic and ran across your post here.
Al,


Strike_King, Polyacrylic , Im playting w/ the same stuff. you can dip or put on as meny coats as you like. did a few, an seem to be holding up so far.Ill post some later this week.
GOOD LUCKGOOD PLUGGIN:wave:

I have had good luck using the Poly finish. It holds up fine. I put three coats on a plug using the dipping method. :uhuh:

i use e tex lite with no problem at all i can mix up enough to epoxy 20 plugs at a time and have no problem speading it. use an acid brush. and a drying wheel

has anyone used the e tex in a spray can .i saw it at the store but was a little hisitant on picking it up?

All great posts on different finishes. we all hope to find a quick and tuff finish. With all the plug makers( non- coomercials) the concensus seems to go to a 2- part type. I been using e-tex for a few years. 6 rpm spinner or hanging w/flipping with very few problems. I've been producing larger quantities and been looking for a more proficient way to coat. 3 coats of Rustoleum is OK but an epoxy offers that " designer" look. Devcon 2-ton thinned w/ alcohol is what I like for poppers and darter lips. IMHO the harder finish helps the plugs hold up somewhat longer especially the darter lip.. There are commercials using a hard and thin finish. Don't know what but that's their secret. I guess the never ending search for the perfect finish goes on. Great post. Keep up with the replies.