Any tips for making the application process of smooth on easier? Seems like it is difficult to spread. Thanks
paint scraper works well, cut offs of the glass also work well. I so far do not have any problems spreading it, I just think of it like butter on my bread!
Warn the part A in the micro for a few seconds.
Never tried the roller. I have always used a scrap piece of lam or glass. I have a putty knife that I use also, just gring the dried glue off before the next use, just can't ever seem to fing the thing.
I would suggest that you mix it very well. Having it warm does seem to help as well.
I experimented on my last two bows with keeping the mix (A & B) warm, not hot, it will harden if temp is to hot. This worked, the mix spread easy, no bubbles, no problems. DO NOT over heat. Tony
I bought a micro roller.. you know for painting trim moldings.. small metal handle with a 1" foam roller. I discarded the roller and use the metal. So I am left with a metal handle that has a 90 degree bend at the end.
The metal is probably 1/4" diam.. I mix the epoxy, scoop some on the metal and use it to spread.. works really well. I have a great control over the spread thickness.. and when I am done, I wipe the epoxy off.. after any excess hardens I can use a piece of sandpaper to clean it off and I am ready to go again.
I recommend it!
I use my cut offs from my cores or either from my glass and like stated above I heat it in the microwave for 7 seconds. You still have plenty of time to do the glue up before it starts to set.
Thanks guys, I heated it a little and it went on much easier.
I like to use plastic butter knives to spread Smooth On. I use the side away from the blade to apply it, then the toothed knife blade to smooth it out. It leaves nice, clean micro-furrows in the glue. The plastic knives break if you press down too hard, but I keep a fistful on my work bench. I also use plastic spoons to measure the stuff onto my mixing tray. That way I don't have to worry about contaminating either A or B.
You can always tell when I'm going to glue up a new bow. I leave the cafeteria with a briefcase full of plastic silverware.
I use a small (4" wide) hard rubber roller. Get it at a craft shop. Used for decopague(sp?). Washes up with soap & water. Gives a nice even layer of glue. cuts down on waste.
i us a house hold butter knive, i warm the smooth on in a bowl of water for a few minutes.it is easy to spread then, i tryed the roller but could not get it thin enough .
i do keep lots of plastic spoons for measuring ,no contamination that way.
I've got a big bag of tongue depressors that work pretty well. And a warm water bath while I'm getting everything ready seems to help, too. That would be for the smooth on cans... Not me.