Skeeter Posted September 23, 2003 Report Share Posted September 23, 2003 One of the problems that most of us have run across is a hole that forms in the clearcoat after it has started to cure. Most of this has been with Devcon by my calculations. But, I am sure that it has happened with them all. I believe this is from a thin spot in the clearcoat as we spread it on. As the hardener begins to cure the epoxy resin, it shrinks. The thin spot appears, and we all start cussing. I have found a way to fix these holes. Let the current coat of Devcon completely cure. Then mix up a very small amount and put it in the holes or separations with a toothpick. Don't glob it in, just put enough in to fill the spot. Then put a piece of regular celophane tape over the hole and the wet Devcon and make sure that it is laying flat and smooth over the hole. Let it cure and then remove the tape. The tape will not stick to the bait and you will not be able to tell that the hole ever existed. It is perfect. I haven't tried this with the other clearcoats that are generally used on this site. But I don't know why it won't work with them either. If someone uses this metheod with the other clearcoats, please let me know how it works. Skeeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coley Posted September 23, 2003 Report Share Posted September 23, 2003 This is a very useful tip. It seems no matter how hard we try things don't always come out as anticipated. Coley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted September 23, 2003 Report Share Posted September 23, 2003 Hi Guys I use Envirotex Lite - I cannot buy the devcon up here in Canada....when I have that problem....I simply light up the propane torch and very quickly run the bait about 2 inches above the flame - this gets the epoxy heated and it starts to run a bit - then I take a paint brush and spread it out - if there is not enough to spread - I take some of the batch I have leftover - and heat it up on some tinfoil - until it starts to run - then spread more on....That seems to work well for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtrs5kprs Posted September 24, 2003 Report Share Posted September 24, 2003 Sounds more or less like the old scotch tape quick fix for gel-coat damage on boats. I ususally just add another layer of clear coat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter Posted September 24, 2003 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2003 Dave, Sounds like you have been watching Bassmasters as long as I have. You are right. That is where I go the idea. And it works real well on baits also. My baits are weighted very closely. Sometimes that extra coat can cause problems for me. Devcon is heavy. Skeeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VMAXX Posted September 24, 2003 Report Share Posted September 24, 2003 You know you've got it bad when you can remember that episode of Bassmaster's !! I guess I'm ate up with it since I still have it on tape ! lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtrs5kprs Posted September 24, 2003 Report Share Posted September 24, 2003 From the sick and scary file...believe it was Bo Dowden or Basil Bacon in about 1990-91. All issues back to March 85, all Bass Times from Day 1. All shows from 86 or so on tape until the new owners...cough...losers...changed the format. Won't waste the time to set the VCR for it now. Skeeter...FC is nice and light. At least compared to Devcon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VMAXX Posted September 25, 2003 Report Share Posted September 25, 2003 From the even scarier file,I think it was Cliff Craft ,I think Bo Dowden did the boat maintenance tip on the Black Lake trip w/ Chuck Roberts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter Posted September 26, 2003 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2003 VMAXX, You are right. It was Cliff Craft. Damn, we're getting old. Seems like it was just yesterday. Well, at least our memory hasn't left us yet. Skeeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtrs5kprs Posted September 27, 2003 Report Share Posted September 27, 2003 From Suwanee, GA at the time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VMAXX Posted September 29, 2003 Report Share Posted September 29, 2003 Darn Dave Skeeter had me all pumped up with the memory and age thing and you just had to go ruin it ,time to break out the voodoo wiggle wart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KandyBass Posted November 7, 2005 Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 what is and where do you buy celophane tape? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lure--Prof Posted November 7, 2005 Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 Clear tape, as in Scotch Tape...The key to a successful patch is to use no more than necessary to fill the hole--you don't want the epoxy anywhere but in the hole, i.e. you don't want to let it feather out under the tape into the non patch area, or you will have started the ol repair snowball down a long hill. ...and time stands still for no baitmaker...do you all remember who finished 2nd in Bo Dowden's classic win, without looking it up???? Dean, another aging whittler Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiverMan Posted November 7, 2005 Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 Great tip Skeeter. I use Etex as you know but usually patch with 5-minute Devcon. I fill the hole with a toothpick and then put another coat or two over the entire thing, good as new. jed v. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Winthorst Posted November 7, 2005 Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 Great tip, just made up a batch and found a couple of those dreaded spots on one bait. Got another question to though. I also had a bait that came out with a small soft spot. Don't know if it was a hole in progress or just some of the epoxy didn't mix well although didn't have any trouble on any of the other ones. Any fix for that other than stripping it and redoing?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter Posted November 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2005 That is right fellas. Just some regular scotch tape. Nothing fancy. If the hole is real small or I need the bait fast then I use 5 min Devcon. For larger holes or separations then I use the long cure. On large holes or patches then you may see a slight outline. I mean very slight. But it is a good result for a patch. A little dab will do you too. If you put too much the Devcon will flatten out all around the hole once you lay the tape smooth. Skeeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
