Guest Anonymous Posted February 9, 2004 Report Share Posted February 9, 2004 This is a method used in rod making as well as in my surfboard making days: When your epoxy top coat is wet.... before you put the lure on the turner, if you take a torch and just "QUICKLY!!!!!" flash each side through the flame once.... your bubbles will outgass from the finish immediately. NOW DONT BURN UP YE WORKS OF ART!!!! The key is "Once" and "Quickly". Mix up a little batch of epoxy on a stiring stick with plenty of bubbles in it....flame it and watch them rise out as quick as the flame passes. Dont over do it. Take Care Chip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
u63405 Posted February 9, 2004 Report Share Posted February 9, 2004 hey chip, i tried making some 3-d eyes using devcon and tried to release the bubbles using a lighter. needless to say the bubbles never released and the material curled. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted February 9, 2004 Report Share Posted February 9, 2004 I nail dot all my eyes, but were you using 20 min or greater epoxy? If so, i use a propane torch. maybe thats the difference. I never tried to use a lighter? Hope it helps, but it works 100% of the time for me. Chip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtrs5kprs Posted February 10, 2004 Report Share Posted February 10, 2004 An old hair dryer works as well. Might be a little safer than the torch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter Posted February 10, 2004 Report Share Posted February 10, 2004 The one real problem that you could have with Devcon is that heat causes it to cure quicker. To much heat causes gasses to form along with bubbles that were not there to begin with. If it gets too hot too quick then the epoxy really thickens and the gasses and bubbles will become trapped making the finish look really bad. Skeeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
u63405 Posted February 10, 2004 Report Share Posted February 10, 2004 to make the 3-d eyes, i tried both the 5 min. and 30 min. devcon. I also tried a hair dryer to help release the bubbles but didn't seem to work. The eyes would look okay if it weren't for the bubbles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted February 10, 2004 Report Share Posted February 10, 2004 Yah ... We all have good methods. Certainly if you are using an open torch you should be careful with the flame. The reason in rod building, fiber glassing with clear finish, lure making that you use a torch is because it provides an instantainious heat that is localized and outgasses the bubble. A hair dryer or even a hot air gun would warm the epoxy causing it to cure like skeeter said. This would creat a messy and uneven finish. Like I indicated in my instructions.... The key is QUICK!!! (emphasized) and across the lure once. Yawll takey care! Chip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saltydawg Posted February 11, 2004 Report Share Posted February 11, 2004 the lighter thing will only release bubbles in thin coats of finish. If the bubbles are not near the surface, you won't get them out with heat...that's the problem with removing them from eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
u63405 Posted February 11, 2004 Report Share Posted February 11, 2004 gotcha! so would several coats of thin epoxy work to make 3-d eyes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtexas Posted February 11, 2004 Report Share Posted February 11, 2004 Is it the heat that releases bubbles from epoxy or the oxygen-consuming property of an open flame? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter Posted February 12, 2004 Report Share Posted February 12, 2004 It is the heat that causes gasses to expand. Skeeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish'nTechnish'n Posted February 18, 2004 Report Share Posted February 18, 2004 All sound like great suggestions. I can't get Devcon up here in the North, so I use Envirotex Lite. I will try any/all of these great suggestions. The first time I had bubbles in my topcoat I almost had a coronary. I read the small print directions in the Envirotex box and they suggested Exhaling(blowing) gently on the surface and the CO2 from your breath would bring the bubbles to surface & pop. Worked like magic but there is one drawback.....Comments from the wife about "all that HOT air being put to good use"!!! BTW. This site is THE most helpful lure site EVER! The Fish'n Technician Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COLOR ME FISHIN Posted February 19, 2004 Report Share Posted February 19, 2004 The Fishin Technician has it correct. It's the carbon dioxide from the flame that disperses the bubbles. I usually breathe into the cup while I am mixing the epoxy. I have caused bubbles to appear by getting the clear too hot after it is applied. Don't rush it. This is supposed to be a relaxing hobby!!!! Use the slowest epoxy you can and it will disperse most bubbles on it's own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
