System three marbelizing

[Nebe]

how are you mixing it? try a digital scale- if your pouring into measuring cups, then pouring into a second cup, things can go wrong

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by Nebe

how are you mixing it? try a digital scale- if your pouring into measuring cups, then pouring into a second cup, things can go wrong

I'm mixing in the small aftcote plastic mixing cups. Been putting in 2 drams of resin and 1 dram of hardener right into the cup, one after the other and no transferring from other sources. Been doing one plug at a time until I get a better drying system setup.

I do have my digital scale I can use to precisely measure the stuff...pretty sure Numby already suggesed I do this, but I forgot.

[eastendlu]

Yep sounds like the mix is off i use syringes to meter out the system 3 and it never fails.You can pick up a pair at any drug store mark one hardner and you are all set.

[Slipknot]

I use syringes also, a lot more accurate for small batches.

pouring by measurements I would guess need to be about 1 to 3 ounce batches for consistent accuracy.

also be sure to mix long enough, i use a dowel to lessen air bubbles

[Grapenuts]

no go on wood sticks...worst thing u can do....use plastic drink sticks......which ever you put in last in your mix is the first thing that gets sucked into the wood and your ratio is now off.

[Canalman]

Mike,

Do the plugs feel soft and sticky? Can you sink your thumbnail into the finish? Epoxy takes the same time to cure no matter how thick it is applied, it's a chemical cure, it doesn't dry like paint. I don;t think curing is your problem.

It sounds to me like the mixture of your basement being wet (from all the recent rain) and the fluctuations in temperature from your furnace turning on and off have caused an amine blush to form. (I have had this happen before). Try washing the plugs with warm water with a little bit of dish soap. I bet the weird-looking finish washes away.

Try it.



-Dave

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by Canalman

Mike,

Do the plugs feel soft and sticky? Can you sink your thumbnail into the finish? Epoxy takes the same time to cure no matter how thick it is applied, it's a chemical cure, it doesn't dry like paint. I don;t think curing is your problem.

It sounds to me like the mixture of your basement being wet (from all the recent rain) and the fluctuations in temperature from your furnace turning on and off have caused an amine blush to form. (I have had this happen before). Try washing the plugs with warm water with a little bit of dish soap. I bet the weird-looking finish washes away.

Try it.



-Dave

Check out the pics below and you can see it.