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Posts: 2
| So I've got some true coat epoxy that I've been using on my baits and after curing on my turner the epoxy seems soft. Like I can dent it with my fingernail somewhat easily. It looks good and doesn't feel tacky though. Just soft. I'm new to bait making and have never worked with epoxy so I don't really have anything to compare it to. Just have store bought baits and the epoxy on those is rock hard, I can't dent it at all. I'm also pretty sure I'm mixing the two parts well, Stirring until the mixture becomes super clear again, probably about 3-4 minutes.
Do you guys that use true coat get rock hard finishes? Or is this just how true coat cures?
Some potential problems:
I haven't been mixing by weight, just eye balling it in little plastic ramakins. But I just got a little scale for the future.
My turner is in my apartment which I think may be too humid. We have a humidifier almost always running. I just ordered a mini de-humidifier to put inside my turner (basically to plastics tubs stacked on top of each other).
Any help or info would be awesome.
Thanks |
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Posts: 357
| i have used tru coat for the last dozen or so baits i have made and has worked really well for me. Here is what i got from tru glide for when making small batches:
"If you do small amounts go by volume, use small cups or syringes to measure, In large amounts you can use the weight formula. Mix well for around 1 minute, then let sit for 5 min before brushing on."
What i do is measure the weight of a 5cc volume of both A & B and use that as its easier for me and has worked well.
I mix for a couple minutes then let it sit for the five, then brush on and let spin on the turner until set |
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Posts: 608
Location: S.W. WI | I used it on several batches last year and found same issue. Too soft. It is no better than E-Tex. Just Too soft for me. |
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Posts: 2236
Location: SE, WI. | Actually the tru coat, from some bait manufacturers told me the tru- coat is harder material than envirotex, also sets up quicker. I’ve used trucoat with no problems. I do have a turning drum. I’ve used both envirotex, and tru coat and stir both for up to 6-7 minutes before applying. Make sure your stirring the sides of container often . JD
Edited by jdsplasher 4/20/2021 12:59 PM
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Posts: 2
| Ok thanks for the replies. I used a scale for the last one and it seems a little harder but I can still dent it with my nail. Ill try mixing it longer next time and see if that helps.
Rudedog what do you use now? |
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| you can add more hardener to make it less soft. it is very forgiving I find.
truecoat being softer, doesnt tend to crack like other, more brittle and hard epoxies.
its been several years since I used etex. I found it awful at every level..
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Posts: 357
| another thing i should maybe add as im not sure if it makes a difference here or not, but i generally thin it a bit with denatured alcohol and use 2 to 3 coats depending on paint. I add after mix and rest and it only takes a few drops to thin. Have to be careful depending on your turner speed as it can get thin quick but levels really nice. |
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