air bubbles under glass

[Koko Bow]

Any tips to reduce air bubbles under glass using smooth-on?

[TimZeigler]

make sure you put it on all gluing surfaces, remember wet to wet. Pressure strip, and proper pressure to your air hose will seal the deal.

[Apex Predator]

Strong, even clamping pressure.

[Dick4bows]

Be careful mixing.  Don't get too energetic!
Dick

[mike hall]

I like to go heavy on the gravy and clean up the mess later rather than have a bubble.

[kennym]

Use plenty,use plastic wrap below and above the stack,and take a plastic spatula(found in every wifes kitchen stuff)and wipe the glue down off the edge of the lam stack(it'll stay in the plastic) all the way along the bow on both sides,save a ton of grindin!

[cam188]

Put the resing in a pressure pot after mixing before laying up. about 30psi should do. I don't make bows but have worked with lots of mold making materials. also be careful when laying it on to not create major air bubbles.

[AdamH]

Cant help ya w/ that... But my little boy loves the bow ya built for him.. Thanks Again,, Adam

[inrut]

Are you are using air pressure to secure the laminates in the form? If so do not put all of the air pressure in at once. Put in about 15 psi and wait a few minutes. I usually clean up everything at this time. Next put in another 5 psi and wait a few more minutes. This will give the air time to work itself out the sides instead of getting trapped under the glass. Add another 5 psi and wait a few more minutes until you get to the desired pressure that you use. I use 65 psi for my final holding pressure. Good luck!

[Java Man]

What "inrut" said!  

And. Don't skimp on the epoxy.  Don't preheat the epoxy.

[Many Arrows Lost]

When applying the laminate to the glass use a roller and pressure working from one end to the other.  This squeezes quite a bit of glue out so if you have to lift the laminate for some reason consider re-applying glue.  

Also, the thicker the glue applied the less chance that that layer is flat when the laminates are put together the unevenness traps air most of which gets squeezed out but... I know that it seems better to have more glue than less but I have gone to what I would have previously considered very thin glue and still have excess when the bow is clamped and no unsightly bubbles.

Works for me,

Ken

[Koko Bow]

Thanks guys.  I am using the c-clamp method and some glue ups are better than others.  Although it is summertime and my attention is divided with many activities.

Adam, glad to hear the little guy likes the bow.  Let me know if you need anything.

[foxbo]

Byron Ferguson says to slide the glass into position rather than just laying it on flat. Sliding it in, according to him, helps reduce the air bubbles. Good luck!