PondBoss Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 I've been using Devcon with zero problems, but was highly recommended to use BSI 20 so I picked some up when I ran out of Devcon. Does the BSI not self level like the Devcon? It sets up lumpy and looks horrible. What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayburnGuy Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 Most of the problems that occur when using epoxies are the result of improper measuring or not thoroughly mixing it. If you are sure you measured equal parts by volume and have mixed it well it's possible you got a bad batch. Depending on where it was purchased it could have been setting on a shelf for a long time. It kind of sounds like it's setting up too fast if it's not self leveling and is leaving the surface "lumpy". I haven't used the 20 minute BSI, but have been using the 30 minute for at least a couple years with no problems whatsoever. To me the 30 minute BSI seems to have a little more working time as well as allowing the air bubbles to dissipate better than Devcon. Ben 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 Sounds like it's setting up too fast for you. Might try adding a few drops of denatured alcohol, which will thin it slightly, extend the brush time a little, and help it expel bubbles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveG Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 Try two thin coats instead of one thicker one, each epoxy has its own little problems and the faster setting epoxies do set lumpy if applied too thick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PondBoss Posted June 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 Maybe it's a bad batch, but I had the exact same issue with a different brand today. It went on smooth and easy just like the bsi. I put it on my drying wheel and came back in 30 minutes and it was lumpy. I ordered Devcon immediately! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Prager Posted June 8, 2014 Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 You want to use the BSI 30 minute slow cure. You will have enough time to do 2 baits. it is almost identical to D2T. You need to use a dryer/turner. it cures at 70 degrees according to the package, but humidity is a key factor. I mix the crap out of it with a drill and wire bent at 90 degrees. Then, dip your brush in denatured alcohol and mix. This will disperse any bubbles. I'm doing this all indoors. I put them on the turner for an hours, then use clamp on shop lights with 60 watt indoor bulbs that I use in the kitchen. It takes the temp and humidity from 75degrees/58% humididty to about 85 degrees/38% humidity. I leave the lights on for about 8 hours and is ready to ship in the morning. I've been using this for about 3 years with 99.9% sucess indoors. Because of health reasons I need to use something odorless. Works for me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayburnGuy Posted June 8, 2014 Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 Richard brings up a good point about the curing temp. Not sure about the 20 minute, but the 30 minute BSI says it must be cured at 70 degrees or above. Good catch Richard. Ben 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Prager Posted June 8, 2014 Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 I find the humidity plays a big part as well. The higher temp will make it cure faster, but make sure you let it leverl out before raising the temp. I find it very forgiving to mix. An 8 count of each part works fine for me. I think the humidity plays a bigger role than the temp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PondBoss Posted June 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 I'm doing my work in my garage. It's not exactly climate controlled. Lol That being said it's well over 70*. I'd amazed that you thin this stuff. It goes on like thick water for me. And the work time is super long. I can easily cover 5 baits before it gets sticky, and probably more if I mixed up enough to cover more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayburnGuy Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 If the epoxy itself isn't the problem then the only thing I can think of that would cause "lumps" is that your applying too much to the bait at one time. If you apply too much epoxy it will want to sag towards the bottom and form the high spots your calling lumps. This will happen even with a turner. I usually add several drops of denatured alcohol to the 30 minute BSI I use and it still doesn't get as thin as "thick water". If the problem isn't with the amount your applying, the mixing or the temperature and humidity then I would think all it could be is a bad batch of epoxy. I would recommend getting some 30 BSI and trying it. good luck, Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Prager Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 I just recently started thinning it a bit. Like RayburnGuy has said in the past...mix your epoxy first, then i just dip the brush in the DA. I only get 2 baits....3 if I they are real small. I was in the past of never thinning but it seems to work for me. Whether thin or not, the epoxy should flow on and not have to be pulled on. If that is the case it is past the workable stae and won't even out. If you are getting waves in your finish it is most likey being applied it has already started to set and won't even out on the turner. I really like the BSI 30 minute slow cure. I've tried their finish cure and you get allot more working time but it seems that it does take 2 coats. Works out to the same and I like the finish on the 30 minute slow cure. I have also submersed them for over 48 hours without any issues. Works for me and I need to use something odorless due to Emphysema.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musky Glenn Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 It sounds like all the bases have been covered for lumps. Is there any chance the lumps are actually "fish eye" caused from any type of oil on the lure before the finish went on. Sweat from your hands will cause it. I'm just grasping for straws here. Musky Glenn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter Posted June 29, 2014 Report Share Posted June 29, 2014 Chunks in the clear as you spread it is usually caused by high room temp and/or low humidity. As Richard mentioned, it is already starting to cure while you are applying it. You need to find out the sweet spot for temp and humidity. I would just contact the company. If it happens again, find something else. Skeeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted June 29, 2014 Report Share Posted June 29, 2014 Heat will make the epoxy set too quickly. I keep my epoxy in my garage, and it can get hot. If it does, I let the two bottles sit in a tupperware of cold water for half an hour before mixing. Just room temp., not ice water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
