PocketShip.net

I see this from time to time. After an initial coat of unthickened epoxy onto raw wood, I sand and roll on another thin coat of unthickened expoxy. And after it cures it looks to be 'beaded up' as if water on Rain-Ex. I might guess this could be due to amine blush but I'm using the MAS non-blush system.

See pic below. I'd appreciate any insight anyone might have...

On my first build I often used isopropyl alcohol (90%) to wipe down the first coat of epoxy after sending,
and the second coat often went on lumpy. For my Pocketship build, I switched to denatured alcohol (from the hardware store),
and that problem went away. I particularly remember epoxying the spars, and how nice and smooth each coat of epoxy went on.

Also, you might be laying on the second coat a little too thick.

Doug

Maybe this does not depend on the brand. We are not using MAS but PEC, which came with our kit from fyneboats.

We have seen this from time to time. I tend to say this happened to us when working at colder temperatures around 60 degree F [1].

Dietrich

[1] CLC recommends temperatures above 60 degree F, better 65-75 degree F, and removing blush with warm water, see here.

Thanks Doug and Dietrich.

My inquiry really is whether others are seeing a blush with the MAS non-blush system. I am seeing blushing and, if I don't notice it and clean it before the second coat, then the picture I sent is what I get after curing. If I notice the blush, water works just fine to get the blush off. In that instance, I do not see the bumpiness on my second epoxy coat. I'm just frustrated with MAS and curious if anyone else is seeing this.

My shop is conditioned at 70-80 F , humidity 45% or so, no motor exhaust, etc. etc. so environmental conditions shouldn't be a factor.

My thought is I've gotten my hands on a 'bad batch' of hardener or resin or both.