Epoxy headache

[ProfessorM]

Thanks NIB. I think I am applying the paints the right way, within minutes of each other, but maybe a little too long. I will try to do a little faster. I did however wait a day or so to apply the clear. I did scuff the clear. On the plugs it seems that the paint is firmly attached to the plug but the epoxy has not attached. I know I did wait a few days after clear to epoxy but not a week. I have talked to several now and I hope the future batches will be better. I also know now that I will be doing several things differently and even trying different brands and techniques to find one that will work for me. Thanks all for the input from the people who have paid their dues and doing the dirty work. You have allowed me and hopefully others to shorten the learning curve, save some time and money with your hard earned proven experience. I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but I know how the listen. I hope I am not the only one benefiting from the banter. Paul

[Canalman]

Uh oh.. now you have to think about film build, floculation, seponification

[Backbeach Jake]

Originally Posted by Canalman

Uh oh.. now you have to think about film build, floculation, seponification

I started painting for the buzz. I also stopped because of it. big words hurt head. So much to learn... Remember putting bait on hook, put hook in water? I think we've gone nuts sometimes. In a good way, of course. Paul, after staring at your photo til my eyes watered, I think that the clear just didn't stick. Not to be a smart-arse any further but sometimes the clear and color are just incompatable. Sometimes the color dries with a slightly oily surface, or is too hard and shiny for the clear to grab. Ford, GM, and Chrysler have all spent millions to cure their clear/color adhesion problems. I seal with a 50/50 Helmsman/mineral spirit solution. Sand with 220 lightly but dull it all. Prime with BIN, sand w/ 320. Blow it off, tack it off. I use "Traditions" acrylic paints from Michaels or ACMoores.(cos it's 48cents on sale) let it dry for 2-3 days so all the water is gone and clear with E-tex. 95 percent of the times this works fine for me. I think that what failures I do have are from inadequet sealing. Water got in the wire hole and came out through the paint, my clear doesn't peel , it all peels. I hope this helps some.

[ProfessorM]

Fred in a nut shell I think you are right on the button. The epoxy did not stick. I was at Mac's today and showed him and he thinks the paint is sticking good. I probably didn't rough up the surface enough. Thanks

[ProfessorM]

You know what the real aggravating part is I let my 5 year old daughter paint some screw ups, to keep her out of my hair. She used regular acrylics from the 10 cent store and a paint brush. It is bare wood there is no primer or sealer and a ton of randomly applied paint. I had some left over epoxy from the batch that sux's and put it on for her. Well you can hit the thing with a hammer and the stuff will not chip or come off. Perfect just like you want. Figures. I think I will go to hand painting with a brush.

[Charleston]

Originally Posted by Professor Moriarty

You know what the real aggravating part is I let my 5 year old daughter paint some screw ups, to keep her out of my hair. She used regular acrylics from the 10 cent store and a paint brush. It is bare wood there is no primer or sealer and a ton of randomly applied paint. I had some left over epoxy from the batch that sux's and put it on for her. Well you can hit the thing with a hammer and the stuff will not chip or come off. Perfect just like you want. Figures. I think I will go to hand painting with a brush.

The fact that the epoxy achieved good adhesion on your daughter's plug is proof positive that your paint caused the problem! Good luck with th fix!!

[ProfessorM]

Good point. Thanks. My 5 year old proves me wrong again. Guess I should start getting used to it. P.