Weight of the finish
- Thread starter SSDiver2112
- Start date
SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
Ok I’ve had a setback. And I feel like I know what you might say.
I was following the directions of another cue maker and was impressed with his results for epoxy and Solarez. I PM’d him but he doesn’t seem to be on AZB regularly, so I thought I might check here too.
I feel like I followed the directions correctly but having a problem with the epoxy. I applied 3 coats 6+ hours between each coat. It has set up for 13 days because I couldn’t get back to it sooner. It was looking great as you can see in the earlier post.
I started sanding in preparation for the Solarez and got this (see below). His directions specifically said never sand between coats and he got great results so I didn’t. Was that my problem or did I do something else wrong. Used Max CLR. I assume I will have to sand it all off and try again. I would like to do it right this time.
PracticeChampion
Well-known member
It's peeling away, didn't adhere? Looks like it anyway. I've never not sanded between coats unless my other coats are still tacky wet.
SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
Thanks. I started the sanding with 150 grit.
When you sand between coats what grit do you use?
Are you aggressive in trying to level it out or just roughing the surface?
PracticeChampion
Well-known member
If for some reason I've got really high spots I'll knock it down with 220 or similar but almost always just a quick 400 sanding from butt to joint takes um out.
I take alot of time keeping the finish level during drying to hopefully keep sanding at a minimum, and good lighting is the key to that so you can see the edge will it's turning
SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
Thanks, I was just using a light touch with gloved hand to smooth it out. It seemed to come out fine, but I think I will try a playing card like I've seen in some videos to see if it is better for me.
I guess I should sand between coats of the Solarez when I get to that part just to be safe.
PracticeChampion
Well-known member
SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
I sanded it all off and started over. Sanded between coats. Finally getting back to it today. Much better this time, but I have a question.
I have three layers of epoxy. Sanding down in preparation for the Solarex top coats. When I had it sanded down to where I thought was good I noticed these tiny white dots. I did not notice them at all before sanding. First anger and panic, then I began working with them to see if I could get rid of them. In the end I just carefully sanded them out.
I looked them up and saw various reasons in other applications. I don't know if I didn't clean the surface well enough between sanding/coats, or mixing the epoxy or whatever. I thought I did but something was off. Some sources recommended using a hair drier or heat gun right after applying it can help.
Is this a common problem or am I just to green and need to perfect my technique.
Hints to avoid are welcome.
I have three layers of epoxy. Sanding down in preparation for the Solarex top coats. When I had it sanded down to where I thought was good I noticed these tiny white dots. I did not notice them at all before sanding. First anger and panic, then I began working with them to see if I could get rid of them. In the end I just carefully sanded them out.
I looked them up and saw various reasons in other applications. I don't know if I didn't clean the surface well enough between sanding/coats, or mixing the epoxy or whatever. I thought I did but something was off. Some sources recommended using a hair drier or heat gun right after applying it can help.
Is this a common problem or am I just to green and need to perfect my technique.
Hints to avoid are welcome.
Hard Knock Cues
Well-known member
The white dots are air bubbles now filled with dust, I've only been using epoxy and realized more thinner coats work better than less thick coats. I let mine turn for several hours between coats and allow a couple days to fully cure before sanding in preparation for the next coat. I'll sand between coats with 220, 320, and a fine scotch Brite pad between to help get into low spots. I am a beginner so this is just my experience.
There's another thread going on talking about using a brake bleader pump to remove the bubbles from the finish mix. Excellent idea.
There's another thread going on talking about using a brake bleader pump to remove the bubbles from the finish mix. Excellent idea.
SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
I waited six hours between coats. It happened again on the second coat of Solarez. Had to sand it down until they disappeared. Maybe I am sanding too much in between coats.
I have never used one so not really sure how the bleeder works in this case I will check it out. I have been very careful not to stir too vigorously and never shake.
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SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
Well it was a struggle but looks like I finally got it this time.
It was recommended to wax it as a final step. Right now I am going to step away and go play some pool. I’ll come back later and re- assess my work with fresh eyes.
Thanks for all the help from everyone. I will also update the weight difference with the finish since that was the original purpose of this thread.
Also have to put the finish on the lower part of the shaft and match the joint size. Really need those sanding mandrels someday.
Pics so far. Old house cue Maple and Ipe. Added a Bacote Butt with Mahogany and Primavera rings. Max CLR base coat and Solarez top coat.
It was recommended to wax it as a final step. Right now I am going to step away and go play some pool. I’ll come back later and re- assess my work with fresh eyes.
Thanks for all the help from everyone. I will also update the weight difference with the finish since that was the original purpose of this thread.
Also have to put the finish on the lower part of the shaft and match the joint size. Really need those sanding mandrels someday.
Pics so far. Old house cue Maple and Ipe. Added a Bacote Butt with Mahogany and Primavera rings. Max CLR base coat and Solarez top coat.
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SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
Just received my Renaissance Wax so it is all polished and waxed. I pulled it off the lathe and the weight of the finish is 0.8 oz. I still have to finish the shaft and then I will start work on the other cue and see if I am consistent enough that it comes out the same.
SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
I wet sanded up to 3000, then used Meguiars ultimate compound, then Meguiars PlastX and finally Renaissance Wax.
SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
I believe I am all done with the finish on this one. Took it to get a final roll on the slate and to get some pictures.
Played a few games with the gentleman I was making the cue for. He is in his sixties and never had a cue off his own. He plays a great game but always played with a house cue. He has become a great friend so I was glad to build him a cue that is custom but still has ties to the house cues he is used to.
Played a few games with the gentleman I was making the cue for. He is in his sixties and never had a cue off his own. He plays a great game but always played with a house cue. He has become a great friend so I was glad to build him a cue that is custom but still has ties to the house cues he is used to.
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PracticeChampion
Well-known member
Looks good
Excellent looking cue.