flex coat

sthddrifter · 01-19-2010, 12:34 PM

I currently use flex coat. Do most of you use flex coat or like another coating better?

jcft2007 · 01-19-2010, 01:33 PM

Hi!!

Flex coat is a good product that's been around for many moons!!

For most of my saltwater rods, I have had no problems with the Classic Coat. It's similar to the flex coat. It seems not to turn yellow as quickly.

I also use the U-40, diamondite, and a few others. Depending on the rod and thread design, you may need a lighter or thinner finish.

StickFish · 01-19-2010, 02:43 PM

Threadmaster here. Used Flexcoat but I like Threadmaster much better

jcft2007 · 01-19-2010, 03:31 PM

Regarding the threadaster,

What themperature was the lowest you've used this here in Ore. before experiencing problems? Naturally 70* is optimal but I don't have that option....

Thanks, Joel

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickFish

Threadmaster here. Used Flexcoat but I like Threadmaster much better

Hanapa'a Time · 01-19-2010, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickFish

Threadmaster here. Used Flexcoat but I like Threadmaster much better

x2

I haven't used TM below 70 degrees yet, so no answer to your question, Joel.

CRD4Liberty · 01-19-2010, 05:45 PM

The temp you use a product at isn't near as important as the temp you mix it at. There has been a time or two where I've used epoxies at temps lower than 70 degrees with no problem, but I mixed them at a higher temp first.

StickFish · 01-20-2010, 05:03 AM

The thermostat downstairs says 65, not sure what the temp is upstairs but I know its warmer. Never had any issues with the finish curing. High Build cures in 8-10 hours and light build I let that go for 18-24.

Kerry Hansen · 01-20-2010, 06:40 AM

U40 High build

Raymond Adams · 01-20-2010, 07:59 AM

Right now I'm using Bullard's "Diamond 2" epoxy.

FCJ · 01-20-2010, 04:51 PM

I agree with the mix temp. When I was building in an unheated basement, I would put the components inside my shirt for at least 1 hour. The cooler temps did not seem to be bad for curing.

sthddrifter · 01-20-2010, 05:10 PM

Thanks for all the info.

ned · 01-20-2010, 08:22 PM

A couple things:
FlexCoat makes "hiBuild" and "ThinCoat" or some name like that. The hardner and resin can't be cross-mixed. They are are not compatible, and I was once told that a new coat of one would not adhere over the old dry coat of the other.

To heat them up, keep in the bottle and float it ina cup of hot water for a bit. If the clear component is old or cold, it will be cloudy. After you heat it, just roll the bottle slowly in your fingers to mix, reheat and do it again and all the cloudy stuff disappears. (don't shake because it gets bubbles in it).

Last tip, after the FlexCoat is applied, I use a lighter and dab the flame close to (but not touching) the flexcoat. This pops out any bubbles, but also heats the air pockets around the guide foot. The pockets expand and pop out of the flex coat, then when it cools it sucks flexcoat into the pockets around and under the guide foot, giving a more solid finish and footing for the. (Picture the thread coming off the top of the guide on either side. It makes an A-frame, with air under the thread.) Don't get it very hot, because the flexcoat gets real runny/watery at "more-than-warm" temps, and it will run down over guides and eyes.
Sounds harder than it is...PM if you want more into to try it out.

mtalmadgeoregon · 01-23-2010, 07:23 AM

Flex Coat is a good product, I used the light build for years until I discovered Theadmaster light. I enjoy the longer cure time, especially with the longer float and two handed rods I often build. Also the Theadmaster dries faster, hader, and clearer. Both are good products and easy to work with, but Threadmaster has the edge in my book.

Rakkasan · 01-24-2010, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtalmadgeoregon

Flex Coat is a good product, I used the light build for years until I discovered Theadmaster light. I enjoy the longer cure time, especially with the longer float and two handed rods I often build. Also the Theadmaster dries faster, hader, and clearer. Both are good products and easy to work with, but Threadmaster has the edge in my book.

I have used Flex Coat high build since I have started building. I usually make two batches when doing longer rods. I dont like using it on light colored blanks becuase it shows the yellow tint it has. I prefer TM for lighter colored blanks. All in all they are both really good IMO.

Dave

fishin"G"man · 02-06-2010, 11:10 AM

I just used flex coat for the first time. The guy at Lamiglass suggested the TM product for a clearer finish. Because I was using darker thread, I won't have the same problems with yellowing as you might with light colored thread. So far so good!

They suggested a 3ml mix. Silly me... I sucked up 3 ml of each so I had WAY too much left over. (Stuff ya learn when building a rod).

Could have used 1/3 of that easily even with applying three coats.

All that said, I'd use the flex again but then I've never used the TM product as a comparison.

StickFish · 02-06-2010, 01:55 PM

Nothing wrong with mixing up too much. I usually do 2cc's of each and every so often 1.5 but that is about as low as I'd go. easier to blend when you have enough to stir and too easy to mess it up when you don't. for the cost of the finish its always better to mix too much

Hanapa'a Time · 02-07-2010, 08:39 AM

After finishing rods with both FC and TM, my preference is the TM. Two years of LR and offshore fishing with sun beating on the finish, the FC has yellowed and the TM is still clear.

wackemnstackem · 06-10-2010, 12:31 AM

ive used many different finishes with pros and cons on all, in my experiences i would go with threadmaster, i love threadmaster light if you have a couple extra days for it to cure!

Hookmiester · 06-10-2010, 09:57 PM

I cut my teeth on flex coat. I have just started using classic. So far not as impressed. It may be my application, but it seems to not cover as well the first time.

j

2slow · 06-11-2010, 08:10 AM

I started out using U-40, switched to Flex Coat, and then used 1 Coat for quite a long time. After having some problems getting 1 Coat, I tried Threadmaster and now I prefer the Threadmaster to anything that I have tried. I use both the lite and the regular depending on the rod. Has anybody tried the Rodsmith?

Wintu · 06-11-2010, 04:44 PM

30 years with flex coat, thread master may be first with me now.

wackemnstackem · 06-11-2010, 09:37 PM

hey 2slow, i have tried rodsmith finish and it worked fairly well but i noticed it had a horrible shelf life once opened. i quit using it for finish and used the rest of what i had to glue cork rings and handles. Treadmaster seems to work the best for me i also had great luck using the Cabelas finish that comes in the little foil packets!