Momoe Posted November 11, 2014 Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 Hi everyone. I have been pouring over the debates of Epoxy vs MCU for top coating. what I noticed is most all talk about the lure being wood. I use a resin for my lures and wanted to know if anyone had a preference to 1 over the other or if there is a down side to MCU on resin? Just like you all, I am looking for the most cost/time efficient top coat that will last. thanks Mo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted November 11, 2014 Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 MCU tends to be pretty touchy about what goes underneath it, especially if you use a solvent based product to undercoat your bait. It's also difficult to store without beginning to harden unless you use the "tap the can" method of storing and dispensing it. But it does provide an excellent thin tough topcoat that I really like. Epoxy is the "old stand-by". It makes a very attractive topcoat that is thicker than most others and is very durable too. It is also very tolerant about other coatings since it cures by its own chemical reaction. Downsides - you need to measure and mix it right to get best results; it tends to draw away from any sharp edge on a bait and will soon wear off at that feature; it will eventually tend to yellow at least slightly from UV exposure. Player's choice. I use both and like them both, just depending on the specific bait I'm building and what it will be used for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jdeee Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 I use Etex over smooth-on resin. It works fine. The problems start if you use 2 part foam resins. You really need to find something to seal the bait first or it will be bubble-palooza on the tops where the pour hole is and those bubbles can never be covered by more coats of epoxy as they will just keep coming threw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
token12 Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 I use 30 minute epoxy from Hobby Lobby as a top coat using smooth-on Feather Lite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodieb8 Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 j-dee. you need to gas off the foam. we use foam here we found that out also. plus your primers are critical also. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Woodie, when you say "gas off" the foam, are you letting it set for an extended period of time or something else? Also any primer that you have found to be better with the foams? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
