[CatchandRelease!]

I just e-texed my first plug.

I used 4 ounces of etex for one plug which I learned the hard way that it was way too much for one plug. If I just brush the e-tex on the plug the next time will the brush marks fade away as the e-tex cures ?

Is there a way to build a spinner that somebody can send me ?


thanks
Mark:Marine:

 

[Sudsy]

4 oz on ONE ??

4 oz is enough for 20 average size plugs.
Etex is made to smooth itself out as it dries - no need to worry about brush marks.

Use the flip technique if you don't have a spinner. Hang it from something and flip it every 5 minutes for the first 20 minutes (+/-), then every 15 minutes for the next two hours.
I generally try to time plug drying to coincide with a baseball game.

 

[CatchandRelease!]

Thanks sudsy. Let's go Phillies ! :Marine:

 

[Mark P]

4 ounces is a ton let the plug cure for a couple of days and sand it down. re coat with maybe 2 cc's for a plug. When working with finishes it is a marathon not a race. Thin coats adhere better cure better and provide a more consistent end result. If you put on a thin coat and have dry spots, oh well coat it again.

 

[striper774]

Roc,thanks for the step by step.Followed it had no problem with the epoxy.I need to get more experience myself with my procedure but time will tell.:icon_thumright:

 

[Roccus]

Not a problem....glad it is of some help..

 

[kones]

has any of you builders tried diamond clear coat instead of e tex ? or perhaps another automotive type clear coat ? all i ever hear about is e tex & im curious as to why as there are several other brands & cure types.the diamond coat is very humidity sensitive,bubbles form if too moist & i need to apply 3 super thin coats but it is strong & did not yellow after 1 season.i want to try e tex after i use this up.btw my first plug that caught bass cost me about $1600 ! holy crap.now im tweaking my process & just trying to build the best i can.

 

[Roccus]

has any of you builders tried diamond clear coat instead of e tex ? or perhaps another automotive type clear coat ? all i ever hear about is e tex & im curious as to why as there are several other brands & cure types.the diamond coat is very humidity sensitive,bubbles form if too moist & i need to apply 3 super thin coats but it is strong & did not yellow after 1 season.i want to try e tex after i use this up.btw my first plug that caught bass cost me about $1600 ! holy crap.now im tweaking my process & just trying to build the best i can.

I've tried several things ( as I may have posted before) never diamond coat...I make my prototypes coated in just plain lacquer... after just a few hours of fishing they develop severe hook rash.. they remind me of how good i've got it now with e-tex.... I've got plugs I coated with e-tex several years and 100'ds of fish latter that barely show any wear... I've got the e-tex process refined so it is flawless with no snags.. it endures well and is cost effective for me... I really have no reson to change...

 

[Zoo]

What about using Flexcoat as top coating ?

 

[Sudsy]

Flexcoat tends to yellow quite a bit and do it fairly quickly.
After it ages for a few years the shock of bouncing it off a rock makes it crack and peel, much more then Etex

If you get the Etex using one of those 40% off coupons from the big box craft stores, it's much cheaper then Flexcoat - also works great for rod building. Goes on clearer and stays clearer. I've done a number of rods with Etex and although Threadmaster is my favorite, If I'm out of that I'll go to Etex without hesitation before using Flexcoat.

 

[gregorjim]

Excellent post Roccus.....I use the regular small measuring cups,,,On line 100 = $5...Cheap enough & Mix with a watch with a second hand for 2 minutes minimum.....Don't forget michaels craft store coupons with 40% off on envirotex.I like the Hair dryer idea also.This forum is teriffic,,,Many minds & Ideas...Jim

 

[Konesplugs]

I've been building for over 12 years about 4 dozen a year. I've tried all the above mentioned products and have used System 3 now for several years. I do 5-6 plugs per run on my spinner using 15 mils at the recommended mix of 2 to 1. I can apply 3 coats in 18 hours No bubbles. No hair dryers or blow jobs through straws or propane torches. Love it but it's still epoxy.