Smooth on tips?

[perry f.]

Any tips for making the application process of smooth on easier? Seems like it is difficult to spread. Thanks

[arrowlauncherdj]

paint scraper works well, cut offs of the glass also work well.  I so far do not have any problems spreading it, I just think of it like butter on my bread!

[T Folts]

Warn the part A in the micro for a few seconds.

[jess stuart]

Never tried the roller.  I have always used a scrap piece of lam or glass.  I have a putty knife that I use also, just gring the dried glue off before the next use, just can't ever seem to fing the thing.
I would suggest that you mix it very well.  Having it warm does seem to help as well.

[Sharp Shooter]

I experimented on my last two bows with keeping the mix (A & B) warm, not hot, it will harden if temp is to hot. This worked, the mix spread easy, no bubbles, no problems. DO NOT over heat. Tony

[Bradford]

I bought a micro roller.. you know for painting trim moldings.. small metal handle with a 1" foam roller.  I discarded the roller and use the metal.  So I am left with a metal handle that has a 90 degree bend at the end.  

The metal is probably 1/4" diam.. I mix the epoxy, scoop some on the metal and use it to spread.. works really well.  I have a great control over the spread thickness.. and when I am done, I wipe the epoxy off.. after any excess hardens I can use a piece of sandpaper to clean it off and I am ready to go again.  

I recommend it!

[Dmaxshawn]

I use my cut offs from my cores or either from my glass and like stated above I heat it in the microwave for 7 seconds.  You still have plenty of time to do the glue up before it starts to set.

[perry f.]

Thanks guys, I heated it a little and it went on much easier.

[Kenboy]

I like to use plastic butter knives to spread Smooth On. I use the side away from the blade to apply it, then the toothed knife blade to smooth it out. It leaves nice, clean micro-furrows in the glue. The plastic knives break if you press down too hard, but I keep a fistful on my work bench. I also use plastic spoons to measure the stuff onto my mixing tray. That way I don't have to worry about contaminating either A or B.

You can always tell when I'm going to glue up a new bow. I leave the cafeteria with a briefcase full of plastic silverware.

[Bow-n-Head]

I use a small (4" wide) hard rubber roller. Get it at a craft shop. Used for decopague(sp?). Washes up with soap & water. Gives a nice even layer of glue. cuts down on waste.

[shongexoe]

i us a house hold butter knive, i warm the smooth on in  a bowl of water for a few minutes.it is easy to spread then, i tryed the roller but could not get it thin enough .
i do keep lots of plastic spoons for measuring ,no contamination that way.

[jtbluefeather871]

I've got a big bag of tongue depressors that work pretty well. And a warm water bath while I'm getting everything ready seems to help, too.  That would be for the smooth on cans... Not me.