• If you log in, the ads disappear in the forum and gallery. If you need help logging in or getting registered, send request to: webmaster@southernairboat.com

steelflex flash time

jpatter123

jpatter123

Well-known member
gonna roll steelflex 2000 on my hull at 6 am tommorrow so the company won't be open and I forgot to call and get the flash time between coats. Anyone know or have a good guess? Never used a 2 part epoxy like that so I am not sure if it still needs to be tacky , wet or doesn't matter.
 
jpatter123,

We do it this way...not saying its right or wrong, but it works for us....

1) prep hull: roughen surface and clean with acetone

2) mix epoxy: stir with a drill until you get bubbles, let sit a couple of minutes then stir some more. It will start to warm a little.

3) pour about 1/2 on the hull and spread it around with a squeegee, start rolling and add the remainder to the thin spots.

4) keep rolling till it starts to set up...it will get very hard to roll...let it set overnight and you are ready!

be sure to use a short nap mohair roller, unless you don't mind roller hairs in your finish!
 
We have always done it in the shade, usually in the morning, so not too hot or cold.

I would think you should stay away from hot metal so the epoxy cures at a natural rate for the best adhesion. JMO
 
Talked to the company this morn. Flash time doesn't apply to the 2 part epoxy it needs to gel for 3 to 4 hours depending on temperature.. The hotter the better so if you have a booth with heat it can cure faster. Manufacturer said I can recoat with it still tacky or dry I am 2 coats in now. I was able to recoat at 3.5 hours but it definetly was still tacky at that point. Its hot as hell outside but I am inside a garage and its very humid so its slowing down the cure. Will do my last coat at 5 pm today.
Also the thicker you apply it the faster it drys. So you guys doing pour on single coats that are really thick your probably dry to the touch in 2 hours.
 
A hotter temperature is better because the Steelflex will flatten out and flow better. It will also have a gloss to it. When it is cold out or moist is will not dry as smooth and glossy. Also you must run a plastic squeeege over it about 30 minutes after you are done rolling it out so you will have a glass like finish. If you just roll it and leave it it willl dry very rough.
 
yeah its does dry almost like an orange peel. A few people have told me it'll tend to flatten out after you run it a while. Not sure if thats true or not but it makes sense that it will be wet sanded from running on the grass :lol: .
 
i tried to frogspit mine last weekend and it was a disaster.half a gallon gelled in the can thank goodness i bought 2 rollers cause some gelled to the roller in the pan.disaster but funny looking .did not even cover the whole boat.so i gave up and took it to the Smith fellow that does owl slick should have done that in the first place.when i do stuff that goes wrong i start to believe my wife that i am dumb. :shock:
 
I spray it on with "Spraying Mantis" gun you can buy at Lowes for about $60.It is usually used for spraying sheetrock mud.I use it at 120 lbs. of air pressure with a light trigger.It dries to a very slick,glossy surface.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top