Lumps? How were you applying it? Use a good foam brush and spin at 90 rpm. I use a foam brush for the Enduro as well, but can't comment on auto clears. I can say that I know plenty of guys who can roll and tip Awlgrip(linear polyeurothane)and it looks like it was sprayed.Ivd tried 3 different epoxies including west system 105/207 and have failed at all of them. I love the hardness and clarity of the 207, but its so thick, I couldn't get the lumps out of it after it cured. Maybe I should try brushing it on? I'm familiar with spraying so that's why I thought id give it a shot. That's for all the info. Rick, Bob, Larry, Joey, and almost everyone else, thanks a ton. I appreciate it :thumbup: Hey Joey, what's the difference between shrinking and sinking? Is sinking like soaking in?
Joe
To revisit what has already been touched.
1. Temperature is very important. You probably have the right activators for colder apps, since you know your stuff from shooting cars. Everyone else should pay attention to keeping the environment at 70+ degrees..
2. IMO, the epoxy base is imperative. It fills all the voids and grain, giving a stable substrate just as a high solids primer would in an auto app.
3. Waiting a few days before final finishing is important to let all of the solvents flash. Ask anyone who has done cars and they will most likely tell you not to apply wax for the first 30 days after a new finish. The person who mentioned waiting 3 days or more on Enduro is correct. You can scuff with 400 after an hour for another coat, but wait 2 or more days before final. Also, follow the directions for the crosslinker word for word. Get the ratio perfect.
I think the correct application of epoxy will solve the majority of your issues. I just grabbed a cue I finished(2 years ago...my first ever) and the shrinking was negligible. I worked in several shops, but never did "completes".