Author Topic: Question regarding 2 part epoxy finishes  (Read 1219 times)

Offline myshootinstinks

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Question regarding 2 part epoxy finishes
« on: December 16, 2017, 09:15:00 AM »
I now have two HVLP sprayers, one with a 1.4mm tip the other with a .8 mm tip. I have a can of Big Jims gloss finish, hardener and thinner.
   Question 1. I assume I'll use the .8mm but at what air pressure?
    Question 2. The sprayers have an adjustment to regulate volume. Do we normally want a lot of product coming out of the gun or not much?
    Question 3. What, if any, is the real difference in BJ's Buffalo hide, Thunderbird, and Fullerplast?
           Thanks

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Re: Question regarding 2 part epoxy finishes
« Reply #1 on: December 16, 2017, 11:18:00 AM »
I am not a finish expert but I think you want to use the 1.4 tip...  Air pressure should be with the instructions for the gun...  

  There may be some guys that could help you on here but I would get on you tube for the rest...

Offline Crittergetter

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Re: Question regarding 2 part epoxy finishes
« Reply #2 on: December 16, 2017, 02:34:00 PM »
Buffalo hide and Tbird are basically the same thing.  Never used fullerplast.  I Have used Krystal.
 I never adjust air pressure. Even when I change from one to the other. I just adjust the flow as I spray with my finger pressure. Start really light and go a little heavier as needed. It's all by feel for me. Just takes a little practice.
I realize this probably didn't help much.    :readit:
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Offline Al Dean

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Re: Question regarding 2 part epoxy finishes
« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2017, 11:22:00 AM »
30# pressure, adjust flow to get coverage you desire.  As Critter said (a feel thing).  If you get runs, to heavy to fast.
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Online Crooked Stic

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Re: Question regarding 2 part epoxy finishes
« Reply #4 on: December 25, 2017, 08:57:00 AM »
The fuller plast is a conversion varnish. No where near as durable.1.4 tip. The key to a good spray job is having plenty of light to really see how much material you are getting on there. I would suggest a test piece to get your pressure and flow right.about four coats of epoxy. let that cure 2-3 days and 320 grit it to level then more epoxy or I use three coats of dull Krystal for top coat.
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Offline myshootinstinks

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Re: Question regarding 2 part epoxy finishes
« Reply #5 on: December 25, 2017, 03:07:00 PM »
So, Fullerplast is not a 2-part mix? Just a varnish?

  Currently have some Big Jim's gloss. I noticed that the small batch leftover I mixed up two weeks ago is still very fluid, looks sprayable. How long will this stuff keep?

Online Crooked Stic

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Re: Question regarding 2 part epoxy finishes
« Reply #6 on: December 25, 2017, 07:13:00 PM »
It is a conversion varnish meaning it has a hardner to cure it. If the epoxy is still fluid after two weeks you got it way too thin or something is wrong with it. It usaly starts to thicken after about three days for me.
High on Archery.

Offline 4 point

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Re: Question regarding 2 part epoxy finishes
« Reply #7 on: December 25, 2017, 11:43:00 PM »
I use a 1.4 tip at 28 psi with the material adjustment screwed all the way in then backed out just to where you can see some material coming out. I put on 5 or 6 light coats then sand and repeat one more time. Its makes a flat finish that I polish back with steel wool or a micro fiber towel depending on the gloss I want. I also finger paint on a coat and sand it off to fill the grain before the spray coats. I use thunderbird.

Offline John Malone

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Re: Question regarding 2 part epoxy finishes
« Reply #8 on: December 26, 2017, 10:21:00 AM »
I have never shot (sprayed) a bow and most of my finishes on wood work are done by hand and brush. If I were you I would Use 4 points technique. That's the way I would do it on furniture using a hvlp, its fool proof, maybe a little more time consuming but the results are worth it. Don't forget that first coat wiped or brushed or fingered on then sanded smooth, that lays the foundation for the process. psi can vary due to personal technique and other variables but they gave you good starting points, definitely practice on a scrap piece first.
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