Anyone have any tricks to preventing epoxy from beading and streaking when the initial coat is brushed into a waxed mold.
I have found that thinning with alcohol works but as discussed on a previous thread that practice comprimises the resin qualities. Would heating the resin help? Funny that the thinner its consistency the less it beads....one would expect the opposite. This may be due to the alcohol reacting with the wax more than viscosity.


Anyone have and solve this problem.


ps. I know I can go back and brush it again later to even it out but I hate to do that once its laid out.


Lee

Hi Lee,

Beading is usually caused by an incompatible mold release. It may be the type of wax you are using.

Tom, I'm using "formula five" wax.
I find that if I spray two part primer into the mold before laying up I have no problems with the primer fisheyeing etc but if I go straight epoxy over the Formula 5 it beads and streaks.

I know that the Formula 5 wax is silicone based which is not ideal but I just wonder if anyone has found a cure for this problem besides using a different wax.


Normally I'll use Mother liquid Carnub wax but it's at my cottage because I use it to wax the boat too.


Lee

The epoxy usually does bead when applied to the mold surface. It does not matter. When the cloth is laid in it will absorb the resin. More resin may have to be applied to the cloth to saturate it evenly. There is a very easy way to tell if the correct amount of resin has been applied. The weave of the cloth should always be visible. If there are any smooth shiny spots and puddling of resin then too much has been used.

Generally speaking, the weight of the resin should equal the weight of the cloth used.

Ed S