System three marbelizing

[Back Beach]

Been using system three for a top coat and notice some of my plugs get a marbelized look when the epoxy dries. I'm giving the system three a good 7-10 days hanging next to my furnace, which is around 75-80 degrees.

The only explanation I can come up with is the very small batches I'm mixing up don't allow for any errors in the mixing ratio and the stuff isn't fully curing. Do I need to mix up a lot more product to lessen the odds of this happening or is it something else?

[Slipknot]

That's possible
but try not putting it on heavy, go with thin light coats

it should dry in one day in those conditions

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by Slipknot

but try not putting it on heavy, go with thin light coats

I think that's my problem, I'm putting it all on in one coat to save time, but it likley needs mulitple light coats, just like a fishing rod.

The stuff is drying but still seems a bit soft, even after several days. Will try the mulitple coat method.

I thought my epoxy was coming out pretty decent until those rascals Numbskull and ProfessorM gave me a couple of their plugs.

I remain, the ding dong.

[Nebe]

how are you mixing it? try a digital scale- if your pouring into measuring cups, then pouring into a second cup, things can go wrong

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by Nebe

how are you mixing it? try a digital scale- if your pouring into measuring cups, then pouring into a second cup, things can go wrong

I'm mixing in the small aftcote plastic mixing cups. Been putting in 2 drams of resin and 1 dram of hardener right into the cup, one after the other and no transferring from other sources. Been doing one plug at a time until I get a better drying system setup.

I do have my digital scale I can use to precisely measure the stuff...pretty sure Numby already suggesed I do this, but I forgot.

[eastendlu]

Yep sounds like the mix is off i use syringes to meter out the system 3 and it never fails.You can pick up a pair at any drug store mark one hardner and you are all set.

[Slipknot]

I use syringes also, a lot more accurate for small batches.

pouring by measurements I would guess need to be about 1 to 3 ounce batches for consistent accuracy.

also be sure to mix long enough, i use a dowel to lessen air bubbles

[Grapenuts]

no go on wood sticks...worst thing u can do....use plastic drink sticks......which ever you put in last in your mix is the first thing that gets sucked into the wood and your ratio is now off.

[thefishingfreak]

use the 2 cup system.
However you mix it, pour the mixed batch in a second clean cup and then use it from that cup.
If you look in the first cup after it cures, I bet the bottom corners are still liquid.

it's impossible to fully mix anything with only one cup.

[numbskull]

I had trouble with silicone in syringes
Small batches of system 3 are very fussy. Weigh it 4.3:10 ratio.
Wood sticks absorb hardner, use metal/plastic and wipe it and your cups with alcohol first.
Add resin to hardner, not vice versa. The resin is lighter and you get a better mix.
Heat it when drying. 90-100 degrees is good. The stuff will harden colder, but it takes several days and usually you can't stand to wait that long to finish them.
Pray.

[fumifish]

i knew plugs are tough to make but fark!!

props to all the basement plug shops and the com guys. thank you

[jkswimmer]

I like the look of the blue one.

[ProfessorM]

I think the term used is Amine blush. It does happen from time to time with that product but I don't fret too much. It is kind of rare and I have not had it happen this year, yet. I don't change anything I do I just chalk it up to the PIA that epoxy is. You can recoat but I just fish them, especially if they are for me. Like stated don't touch your paint with a naked hand before you coat. I handle my plugs with paper towels and rubber gloves as i install all grommets before epoxy, wire after.

The Epoxy Blush / Amine Blush Page - Progessional Grade Marine Epoxies

[Swimmer]

I use the red stirrir sticks from Dunks. Grab a handful once in awhile and that should suffice.

[Back Beach]

Took a bunch of the good advice here and employed it with much better results:

1. Nitrile gloves worn for assembly instead of bare hands.

2. Precision mixing and bigger batches.

3. Kept plugs in warm room after finishing, but away from furnace.

4. Plastic stirrer instead of popsicle stick.

Stuff is hard as a rock after 72 hours with no obvious marbling. Will wait until they go in the water before I declare victory as much of the marbling was occurring after I dunked the plugs.