fishordie79 Posted May 13, 2020 Report Share Posted May 13, 2020 Hey TU Folks! Well after months of renovations my shop is done and I am finally able to get back to work. Been working on some jig head designs and my first real build since getting back at it turned out really well (images below). Through the help of this site and it’s members I have gotten much more comfortable in this hobby so thank you all. So although I have a pretty good process for removing bubbles in my epoxy I still don’t get them all and that annoys me. As I’m sure you can all understand I want the clear coat to be as perfect as possible after having spent so much time on a project. So, my question is, which epoxy, in your experience, is less prone to leaving bubbles in your projects? Is there any one that is better than the others where this is concerned? Thanks and tight lines! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21xdc Posted May 13, 2020 Report Share Posted May 13, 2020 I think it's your mixing method. But I quit using epoxy 5 years ago. If you start using KBS diamond clear and thin it with xylol/xylene I'm confident you will be happier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted May 13, 2020 Report Share Posted May 13, 2020 I agree with 21xdc, but recommend taking a look at uv cured polyester resin too. Either allows you to simply dip into a one part finish and is as tough or tougher than epoxy. I never liked epoxy on metal because it thins out to almost nothing over any sharp edge and then chips off quickly. Once a topcoat over acrylic chips and exposes the paint, the whole paint job begins to delaminate. btw, those are wild and wonderful jigs. Nice work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishordie79 Posted May 13, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2020 @21xdc @BobP Thanks guys! Sounds like KBS is the way to go but I do have a question about it. How do the "dip method" clear coats not dry into a cone, for lack of a better word, as the bait is hanging? Or should I dip the bait and then put it on a rotating drier? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishordie79 Posted May 13, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2020 @BobP Thanks for the compliment! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21xdc Posted May 13, 2020 Report Share Posted May 13, 2020 (edited) Just leave the eyelet as the drip point. I stick the hook in foam with the eyelet facing down. Or rotate. After a few hours pick off the drip on the eye. Edited May 13, 2020 by 21xdc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishordie79 Posted May 13, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2020 @21xdc Understood. Any ideas on how many baits (subject to size of course) you can get out of a pint of KBS? Not sure if I should just go with a pint or spring for the gallon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21xdc Posted May 13, 2020 Report Share Posted May 13, 2020 I purchase by the Qt. I might buy a pint the next time. Open it up, pour it in a mason jar for storage. Keep the rim of the glass clean and wiped off before you replace the lid. Or you will never get the lid off again. Keep the jar open as little as possible. It lasts a very long time. I suggest you try the smaller size first. About once a month I get an e-mail with a coupon code of 15% off or free shipping. There should be one coming soon. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slammingjack Posted May 16, 2020 Report Share Posted May 16, 2020 On 5/13/2020 at 5:58 PM, 21xdc said: I purchase by the Qt. I might buy a pint the next time. Open it up, pour it in a mason jar for storage. Keep the rim of the glass clean and wiped off before you replace the lid. Or you will never get the lid off again. Keep the jar open as little as possible. It lasts a very long time. I suggest you try the smaller size first. About once a month I get an e-mail with a coupon code of 15% off or free shipping. There should be one coming soon. Helps to put a zip lock bag over the jar before you put on the lid on. Won't be so hard to open. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21xdc Posted May 22, 2020 Report Share Posted May 22, 2020 Coupon Code: EB520 Gets you 20% off and free shipping. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishordie79 Posted May 25, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2020 @21xdc is this the one you use? Also, I've tried an automotive clear coat in the past, although it wasn't KBS and required a hardener. The problem with that one was the fumes. I do a lot of bait finishing in my basement and my wife was rather unimpressed at the smell of that stuff:) How bad are the fumes/smell with KBS in your opinion? @Slammingjackthanks for the tip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillbilly voodoo Posted May 25, 2020 Report Share Posted May 25, 2020 I just started using KBS and I recommend do small test batches till you get it right. My first two batches had issues with bubbles. Thin is the key and going beyond 2 coats a 24hr cure time is what I had to do to prevent it I am no expert with KBS but it does have its own learning curve. My first 2 batches had me debating on going back to Etex. works well once you get it right but do a few testers to start so it’s a min loss if it goes wrong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillbilly voodoo Posted May 25, 2020 Report Share Posted May 25, 2020 KBS if you apply too thick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonteSS Posted May 25, 2020 Report Share Posted May 25, 2020 I use Bob Smith 30 min epoxy and never see bubbles. I have heard running a propane torch over bait will pop them. To me KBS is not durable at all. I never tried UV but that might be the way to go. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dl07 Posted May 25, 2020 Report Share Posted May 25, 2020 I use kbs almost exclusively. In my opinon its almost full proof. Dip hang come come back in 45 minutes dip hang and leave it alone for a few days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21xdc Posted May 26, 2020 Report Share Posted May 26, 2020 Yes... I think it should be thinned some with xylol/xylene ... 10-20% The key to durability is it gets harder every day for up to 3 weeks. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishordie79 Posted June 7, 2020 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2020 @21xdc So I looked and unfortunately I cannot get KBS in Germany, at least that I could find anyway. Can’t even get it shipped to the Army Post Office on the base that I work at because there are restrictions on shipping it through the APO. Time to start looking for a German alternative... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
