Bob Smith 30 Minute Epoxy

[Steven Ladner]

I've been trying different types of clear coat this past week and am working with the Bob Smith 30 minute epoxy today. Really like this stuff so far but am having an issue with microbubbles. I put on a coat about 30 minutes ago and figured they may pop out after rotating for a while. But they're still there. Shop temperature is 70°..

1. Epoxy was mixed in a plastic measuring container with a plastic knife.

2. Stirred the two parts until they were completely mixed.

3. Let it sit for about one minute.

4. The cup was filled with the bubbles and so I hit it briefly with a blow dryer on heat.

5. That didn't get rid of them so I started to apply the epoxy anyhow.

6. After putting the bait on the turner, I shot the blow dryer at it again. Still nothing...

Any idea of what I'm doing wrong?

[Jim45498]

Try mixing it on a flat surface. I use freezer paper, the slick side is great. Just tape the 4 corners down and mix. No bubbles

Sometimes what works the best and you have used the most is hard to beat.

I have tried a lot of different ones but always come back to Devcon

[EdH]

Thanks for posting the pic. It makes it easier to offer solutions.

One - I see you stirring the epoxy using a brush. Bad idea as the bristles introduce bubble. Just use the other end of the brush or get a solid swizzle stirrer (not hollow). Something solid and stir slowly.

Like Jim says pour the epoxy on something flat to let the epoxy spread out into a thin layer. I use aluminum foil and make 3" x 3" boats (fold the edges up to make a small pan so the epoxy doesn't run off onto the table). I also have use some of those foil muffin pan liners. If I see bubble on the foil I just use a soda straw from a fountain drink and blow through it to bust the bubbles. Hope these tips help.

[BIG M]

Switch to flex coat ultra v high build and never look back. Beats epoxy hands downs. After mixing a batch let it sit for 10 min then blow on it thru a straw and all the bubbles are gone. Still has a pot life to

coat 6 big cranks.

[Steven Ladner]

Thanks guys, will try your solutions shortly. I mixed it with a plastic knife, but was stirring it as fast as I could. Didn't think about that causing bubbles. So blowing on it should remove the bubbles, not heat?

Marty, do you have a direct link to that kind? You can PM me if it won't let you post the link. Is it as runny as E-tex was? I like epoxy that I can control them from covering the hook hangars. One more question, how many coats are needed with the Flex?

[BIG M]

Marc, I get it from Mudhole.com. You have to let it set up for 10-12 min, that's the trick to using it and e-tex. The longer you let it set up the thicker it can be brushed on. The flex coat has uv stuff in it so the clear won't yellow. It's much thinner than epoxy so I use two coats on my baits. If I were repainting plastic cranks then 1 coat would work in my opinion. It will hold up better than the factory clears in my opinion as well.

[Steven Ladner]

I appreciate the info, will be checking it out.

[BobP]

After mixing the epoxy, try mixing in a FEW drops of denatured alcohol. It will thin the mix slightly, allow the bubbles to escape, and extend the brush time by several minutes. But it will not extend the cure time as many other solvents will. I also use a fine bristle artist's brush to apply epoxy and it seems to help pop the bubbles. Doesn't have to be an expensive brush, cheap artist brushes work fine and will last indefinitely if you clean them in lacquer thinner afterwards.

[geckert]

Switch to flex coat ultra v high build and never look back. Beats epoxy hands downs. After mixing a batch let it sit for 10 min then blow on it thru a straw and all the bubbles are gone. Still has a pot life to

coat 6 big cranks.

The product that you are speaking about here is still an epoxy resin. epoxy is a generic name.

Looks to me like the main problem is stirring with the brush head and introducing air and stirring quickly(probably worried about getting it done quick so you have working time). Like it was suggested earlier just use the handle or a popsicle stick and fold more than stir youll be fine.