Time between epoxy-ing thread wraps

[Gene Mahn]

I'm finishig the wrap on a rod I built. I'm using Flex Coat Lite. Can I wait a week between coats or should I do the second coat as soon as the first is dry?

Thanks!

Gene

[Betty Hiner]

(Oh, please don't say you're supposed to put the epoxy on as soon as the first coat dries! Some times weeks go by before I can get back to the table for the second coat!! And, egads, sometimes I put a REALLY light coat on an old finish to shine it up.)

[Gene Mahn]

Whew! Thanks, Betty. Most of the time I am able to put the second coat on the next day but this time was not one of them.

[David Parker]

From the information that I have gained over the years, IMO the general rule of thumb for applying a 2nd coat of epoxy over the 1st is to do it within 24 hours of applying the 1st coat. Otherwise a light sanding with very fine waterpaper is necessary to obtain a long lasting adhesion of the 2nd coat. Old rod finishes should also be sanded prior to a touch up or you run the risk of poor adhesion and pealing over time.

[Gene Mahn]

Thanks, David!
Gene

[TampaJim]

My personal rule has always been no less than 6 and no more than 18, but it is a bit warmer here in FL than other places. The "general rule" is 12-24.

TJ -

[Gene Mahn]

Thanks, Jim. I assume you mean hours not days.

[TampaJim]

Yes, hours. In addition, if you go more than 24-36 hours here, 36-48 in other locales, you really need to roughen the finish up to apply additional coats.

TJ -

[flyfisherjoe]

If you apply the second coat sooner it will fuse to the first coat rather than just physically bond. However the phyiscal bond is good as that is all it has to the rod blank. I would clean with alcohol to remove any oily, dusty sediment from the air and any blush film formed when curing.

[Gene Mahn]

Thanks, Joe

I'm doing it tonight.

And thanks everyone, for your help. You all are terrific!!!

Gene