Etex How To/Plate Method
 

This is my method along with some great tips from muskeyslayer, it has helped me get super smooth epoxy with very little issues with bubbles/voids etc. got a bunch of pms about it so figured I'd share as I've learned so much from the guys on this site


Etex How To

I start by soaking the bottles in a bowl of very hot tap water.

While those are soaking, I get my work area ready, I put down newspaper so i can just throw the whole thing away after. I use 1" foam brushes, and throw them away when I'm done.

I do the flip method, so I put a rubber coated paper clip on each end, with a twist on each end so they stay on. I bend the other end Into a "c"

The epoxy should be nice and warm and it will be a little thin. Which helps it mix better and lay flatter

I always mix 2 TBS in a batch and use clear cups, I don't use syringes. I always pour the black cap first to 1 TBS, let it settle to make sure it accurate measurement.

Then I pour the white cap on top of the other epoxy, it will push into the other epoxy and start the mixing process.

I mix for 4 minutes, I stir one minute clockwise, then counterwise. Making sure to scrap the sides and not mix too fast, cause you will get a lot of bubbles which are a pain to get rid of.

This is the "plate trick"

While your mixing the epoxy, use a 6" plate add some water and microwave the plate for 1 minute. Let the water sit on the plate til your done mixing.

Dump the water off. Dry the plate and then cover with a double layer of aluminum foil. You should be able to feel the heat thru the foil, it should be warm or slightly hot, not enough to burn your hand.

Pour the epoxy onto the plate, making sure to get all the epoxy out of the cup.

The warmth from the plate will help the epoxy spread out and thin out, it also helps it cure faster.

I get 5 to 6 plugs per batch of epoxy, and I only have to flip the plugs two or three times.

The results are super smooth epoxy with no bubbles and even coverage.

Hope that helps.

Another option is to add some pearl or glitter into the epoxy. I prefer the pearls as they don't require a second coat of epoxy, like some of the glitters.

score! thanks chris, I know what I'm going to try.

Thanks Chef, i elected to purchaed a rod epoxy mixer with the bearing from mudhole, i dont get any to little bubbles right from the start and the mixing is consistent and easy while its mixing im doing other things.

The method you mentioned for the epoxy is one i use to use and its effective, guess im getting lazy in my old age.
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where do you get the pearl agent you're talking about? AC Moore or Michaels or somewhere like that?

Heating the bottles in hot water is key....

hi Chef, meant to ask also, what's the "flip method"?

The pearls can be found at craft stores.

The "flip method" is for guys that don't use a spinner,
You hang the plug from a laundry rack or something,
Let it sit nose down for 5 or 10 minutes then flip it nose up for 5 to 10 minutes, until the plug doesn't have any sags of epoxy on it.

I have an electric heater under my rack system so the air is pretty warm and helps set the epoxy faster
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I like the heated plate idea. Will have to give that a shot. Thanks
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Chris explain the rubber paper? Plugs aren't wired?

Billy should say "rubber coated paper clip" and yes the plugs are fully wired
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Thanks Chris. It gets tricky handling while epoxying, no? I done about all the ways to coat. Large screw plant hook eyes has been my go to for a few years. Flipping took over the rotating shish ka bob. I screw the hooks into an unwired plug and hold on to the hook resting the rear hook for support while applying. I just coated my last batch with the baseball bat coating KBS. 2 coats. quick w/ foam brush. Recoat w/in 8-12 hours. Done. Hopefully the finish will hold. impervious to chemicals, water and hard as nails. With stands basdeballs pounding. A quart shipped 57.00. I think there is less material used than e-texbut the cost of e-tek8oz bottle kits are around 20.00 w/o discount coupon. too many way to skin a cat!!. I be keeping tabs on this finish and get back in a few months of my results. Smallish plugs are dipped. KBS Diamond Coat thinned w/the KBS thinner 10%.

I use a motorized drying rack for my lures. You can build one for about $100 but well worth it. I made my first one for about $120 but have since moved to more professional model.