Clear Coat Help

[John E]

I was just wondering if any of you System Three Clear Coat users could share some of you techniques for applying and working with this stuff. I used it for the first time over the weekend and had some issues with air bubbles on a few of the plugs. I tried breathing on the bubbles and applying heat with a lighter just like I normally would with E-tex. Neither of them seemed to work as well as they should have. While most of the bubbles released on their own, the ones that do remain are always in the worst spots (i.e., right on top). Also, I think I over heated the plug with worst bubbles since it now looks “yellow” and none of the others look this way.

[Slipknot]

stir slowly and with something round like a dowel and you get less bubbles

[Jigman]

Problems usually are the result of not getting the correct mix or not stirring enough. Be sure to get equal parts of each. Mix throughly for a couple of minutes. Let sit for a minute or two, and mix again. Repeat.

Jigman

[MAC]

I use lollypop sticks for stirring. Go to Michaels and check in the candy making section. Another thing that works for me is to let the mixed epoxy set for a few minutes before applying.

[John E]

Thanks for the input guys. I don't think the issue was with the resin/hardner ratio since the stuff cured rock hard and some plugs came out with only one or two bubbles while a few of the others were worse. I will try a round stick to mix with the next time and go slowly to avoid introducing bubbles into the mix in the first place.

I e-mailed tech. support for system three and got the following response.

"First, apply a thin coat to seal the wood if the lures are made from wood. Brush off any air bubbles as the material is curing. This changes the surface from porous to non-porous. After this has cured apply a second "heavy" coat. After about a half-hour all the air will have risen to the surface. Use a propane torch held about eight inches away and fanned quickly on the surface. This will pop any air bubbles. Obviously, if the surface is already non-porous then the first step can be omitted."

I do one or two more batches to see if I can work out the kinks.

[capesams]

I'll never understand why one would use a hair dryer and or propane torch.......if there any dust in the air the force of flame shooting out will only gather that dust and blow it into the finish.

[TheSpecialist]

A wise, old, and grumpy monster once told me to spread it out on a plate, it will help dissipate the bubbles.

That will be 1 plug please.

[justplugit]

John,the propane torch has worked well for me when i use it at the start of the spin dry in an open top 3x3 storage box.Then i put the top on while it spins.Comes out dust and bubble free.