Epoxy and acetone finish

[ks_stickbow]

I've read before of some people cutting two ton epoxy with acetone 5:1. I tried it with a small patch on a piece of 2X4 and just wiped some on. Looks like it makes for a nice hard gloss finish.

I would like some feedback from those that have used this. how well did it spray from your gun? it seemed like the mix was fairly thin and would spray well. Also I would like to know about it's flexability. I know epoxy dries hard...will it crack and peal?

I tried tru oil on a set of glass lam limbs and looks nasty. The riser came out great. It took 2 days longer to dry on the glass then it did on the riser. It also left nasty streaks and bubbles on the limbs...I'm guessing it has to do with the glass.

Again I would like your feedback on this method.

[Dave Bulla]

Hey Jeff, I've used the epoxy finish a few times on my arrow shafts and on some wooden knife handles.  I brushed mine on so I have no idea how it would spray but I expect you'd better clean your sprayer IMMEDIATELY after use or you might be in the market for a new sprayer when the epoxy sets up.

It was originaly designed for selfbows by Jay Massey as far as I know.  I refinished an old Root recurve with it that had the woven glass in the limbs and it came out real nice but it was a bugger to brush on.  You have to get a perfect pass the first time because if you go back with a second wipe, it just messes it up.  Spraying would be better I believe.  It is real slow to dry though.  Maybe two days?

No problems with cracking or any durability problems.  On our wooden handled kitchen knives that go in the dishwasher almost daily, it took about 6 months to a year to show signs of "weathering".  I was real impressed with it but like I said, brushing wasn't very easy.

['46]

I've finished a number of bows with the Massey finish. First couple of coats I do it 5/1 and the last couple at 3/1. I apply with a soft rag. It dries fast and you only wipe it once because a second pass will often streak.

[Wild Willie]

I use it on all my bows it gives a hard finish that is glossy but you can buff it with 4/0 steel wool and get a nice satin finish.I use a pashe single action airbrush and get real good results.
       hope this helps
         Billy

[ks_stickbow]

this is the gun I have, I played with it today filled with water. I can get a super fine mist, which I think might be the ticket.

Is this finish self leveling....I typicaly hang the limbs from the bolt holes...

What do you if you have a run? Sand and respray?

How nasty are the funes coming from a spray gun...they were not that bad when i mixed a sample, but I am sure get quite nasty when sprayed. I am doing this in my basement, but will spray outside and bring inside to dry.

How many tubes of the epoxy do you need to complete a set of TD limbs?

what do you use to mix the goo? Is 100% pure acetone neccssary, or can finger nail polish be used? it seems like finger nail polish has a yellow tint to it?

 

[drewsbow]

Jeff : I would think with a big gun you will waste alot with overspray. I think the air brush would be better :0)

[Steve H.]

You can spray it, and I have done so many times, BUT you need to use MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) as the carrier, not acetone. The lower vapor pressure of MEK give it SOME time versus  NONE. Trust me, you'll be glad you used the MEK!

[ks_stickbow]

is MEK something I can get at a drug store or walmart?

are there other trade names under which it is sold?

I'm not as concerned about waste as I am a good job. I'll waste as much as I need to attain a god finish.

[Dave Bulla]

MEK is methyl ethyl ketone.  Not sure of the spelling but we used to use it a lot in aviation for degreasing engines and parts.  Awsome stuff.  They quit using it due to EPA restrictions and being a nasty carcinogen.  Of course we never heard of that when we were using it and used it all the time to wash our hands after a dirty job....

I think it is still available from hardware stores but not sure if it has a trade name or not.

[Wild Willie]

One tube will more than finish a set of limbs.I use denatured alcohol instead of acetone it takes a little longer to dry but the fumes ar'nt nearly as bad.I think your spray gun may be a little large because about 2oz of mix is all you need per coat.Thats why I use a airbrush I can mix a small amount and not have any waste.
 Billy

[Steve H.]

Any hardware store will have MEK.

Oh, and make SURE and ONLY use 2-ton epoxy!  Nevr use the 5 minute crap!

[fatman]

Jeff, check PM