Thunderbird two part epoxy hints?

[Roy from Pa]

Tomorrow I intend to spray my first selfbow with the two part epoxy. Any hints or advice would be appreciated. The bow is Osage backed with bamboo, stained with aniline dye. The shop has been swept and hosed down today. Going to let the moisture dry up and spray tomorrow. I read that it should be reduced 25 to 30 percent after it is mixed and sits for at least a half hour. What air pressure should I use at the gun? I was thinking about 35 to 40 pounds, that ok? I am going to give it a good coat, then wait 3 hours and hit it once more. The spray gun is the HVLP with the cup on top. Thanks Roy

[Charlie Lamb]

Roy... until someone more learned shows up. I like to spray bows in a very warm room helps with set up time on the finish. Also like to warm the bow (before spraying) in a hot box for a short time for the same reason.

[Roy from Pa]

Thanks Charlie, it will be 70 degrees in the room and I have it in my drying box now. I keep all bows being worked on in the drying box till they are sealed. I'll take it out and spray it right away while it is still warm.. Roy

[Chuck Jones]

I thin the first coat 50% and spray at about 25-30 psi. Keep the gun at least 10" from the bow, and don't try to "soak" the wood. Wait 4 hours and sand lightly with 220. Sand more on any rough areas. I don't thin the second coat any more than needed. Sometimes, not at all. I spray a light, even coat, repeat in 4 hours if needed. Light and even is the way to go, even if you have to spray several coats. You don't want any runs or sags. It's hard to get a perfect finish if you have to sand down a run. If you do see a run; you can quickly and carefully wipe it off with a lint-free rag damp with thinner.

[Roy from Pa]

Thanks Chuck. How much epoxy should I mix up for a 66 inch longbow, 1 1/4 wide at the flares?

[Dano]

Can't add any better advice than Chuck, other than use a respirator if ya want to get older. I usually mix up about a half cup in a mason jar for one bow, but usually have extra after 5 or 6 coats.

[Roy from Pa]

Respirator, what's that? LOL, I know..
 

I usually mix up about a half cup in a mason jar for one bow, but usually have extra after 5 or 6 coats. Dano ya sayen you put on 5 or 6 coats? I thought the pot life was 12 hours, and the time between coats was 3 hours?

[Bob T.]

Store your epoxy mix in the fridge between coats. It will keep for 24 hrs.

[Holm-Made]

Why hose down the floor?  Chad

[Jim Godden]

Roy, I mix the epoxy as per the directions.  Then I like to brush on the first three coats, I work it well into the grain and put it on fairly thick. Especially the wood on the riser, limb edges and tip overlays. I put the bow in the heat box at reduced heat, say 90 to 100 degrees while it cures.  As you know, epoxy responds well to heat.  Once the third coat is cured, let the bow set overnight, lightly sand with 220 grit until smooth and then spray as planned.
JIM

[Roy from Pa]

Ok thanks. I hose down the floor to get rid of dust that will fly up when I walk around spraying the bow.

[Charlie Lamb]

Roy... I use a plant "mister" to wet down my spray area to cut down on dust as well. It helps.

[Holm-Made]

I figured that's why you did it.  Thanks,  Chad

[Dano]

Yep, I keep my mix in the fridge between coats and put it in a sink with hot water to up the temp before useing again. I have used it after 2 weeks in the fridge with no trouble.

[Crooked Stic]

I am finding out that the filler coats are very important before the final coats. I think if you get everything level with filler coats that you can get by with three coats final finish.