Epoxy fillers

[Ken Hundley]

I have used System 3 on most of my work. Had trouble in teh beginning with it because I didn't get the ration correct on the last batch....I ended up scraping it off. It is messy, but I have not had adhesion problems with anything, and some work is going on 6 years now.

I use a bondo squeegee to apply and to scrape off, then when dry, use a razor as a scraper to knock down any ridges left. Then, I sand everythign with 220 until the wood tone looks as even as the wood will let it (hard to do with Mango....).

I have been quite happy with the results. So little of it is required for a guitar that I have had it for quite awhile, and plan to use it till its gone. When I need more, I plan on trying Ken's new process....it does sound promising.

Note: I always spray at least one layer of Bullseye Sanding sealer over the wood after pore filling (except for maybe the top, depending on the look I am going for) because I like the amber toning it imparts, and because any finish I have aver used sticks to it. This may be why I haven't had an adhesion issues with System 3 and finishes.

[Ben-Had]

I just bought some Bullseye Sanding sealer (clear) yesterday and plan to use it on my current build... oops, I mean - project.

[Darryl Young]

I know this thread is about system three, but I used zpoxy on my last build and found it extremely easy to use--filled quickly, dried thoroughly, didn't shrink, and no adhesion issues with my water based lacquer. Ken

Only thing I'll add is that it also sands easily......and not all epoxys will.

[David L]

I have used System 3 on most of my work. Had trouble in teh beginning with it because I didn't get the ration correct on the last batch....I ended up scraping it off. It is messy, but I have not had adhesion problems with anything, and some work is going on 6 years now.

I use a bondo squeegee to apply and to scrape off, then when dry, use a razor as a scraper to knock down any ridges left. Then, I sand everythign with 220 until the wood tone looks as even as the wood will let it (hard to do with Mango....).

I have been quite happy with the results. So little of it is required for a guitar that I have had it for quite awhile, and plan to use it till its gone. When I need more, I plan on trying Ken's new process....it does sound promising.

Note: I always spray at least one layer of Bullseye Sanding sealer over the wood after pore filling (except for maybe the top, depending on the look I am going for) because I like the amber toning it imparts, and because any finish I have aver used sticks to it. This may be why I haven't had an adhesion issues with System 3 and finishes.

So Ken, does this mean that you sand systems 3 back down to bare wood prior to application of Bullseye SS and subsequent top coat finish?

David L

[Ben-Had]

"So Ken, does this mean that you sand systems 3 back down to bare wood prior to application of Bullseye SS and subsequent top coat finish?

David L"

David, I was taught to use it by sanding back to bare wood leaving the pores filled.

[David L]

"So Ken, does this mean that you sand systems 3 back down to bare wood prior to application of Bullseye SS and subsequent top coat finish?

David L"

David, I was taught to use it by sanding back to bare wood leaving the pores filled.

Cool, the reason that I ask is because reccomendations for Z-Poxy procedures are emphatic that you do not sand back to bare wood, however, I also understand that while Z-Poxy and systems 3 are both epoxies, that may be where thier similarities end, they may be very different in some ways, but they may not, I don't know, just saying. Let's try this, has anybody used Z-Poxy and sanded back to bare wood just leaving the pores filled and then moving on to the final finishing process?

David L

[Ken C]

David, I did not sand back to bare wood as I wanted to use the epoxy as a base layer in hopes the finish would remain glassy smooth. So far, this appears to be the case.

Ken

[Darryl Young]

Cool, the reason that I ask is because reccomendations for Z-Poxy procedures are emphatic that you do not sand back to bare wood, however, I also understand that while Z-Poxy and systems 3 are both epoxies, that may be where thier similarities end, they may be very different in some ways, but they may not, I don't know, just saying. Let's try this, has anybody used Z-Poxy and sanded back to bare wood just leaving the pores filled and then moving on to the final finishing process?

David L

David, Z-poxy is a finishing resin which is thinner than a standard glueing epoxy. This helps one apply a thin layer and may contribute to the better sanding properties (not sure this is the reason it sands easily but it doesn't gum up like when sanding some epoxy glues). Another difference is that the zpoxy has an amber tint while System-3 is clear. The amber tint helps warm the finish and may or may not be the look you want for the finish on a particular build. One side effect of the amber tint is that you probably want to leave a thin layer of zpoxy over the entire surface so that it tints the surface evenly; otherwise, the finish may look splotchy. This may not be the case with system3 since it is clear, not sure, as I haven't used that product. So if you want to sand back to bare wood leaving epoxy filler in the pores only, I would probably NOT use zpoxy due to the amber tint.

[tippie53]

I used both of the system 3 and Zpoxy . The Zpoxy is a better product for finishing in my opinion than the system 3. As stated it is thinner cures up faster and is more designed to be a filler than adhesive. While I still use the pore o Paq that is my preference as I am used to that and my advice is "find what works best for you". .
Good finishing is all about prep and filling is part of the equation .

[Ben-Had]

I used both of the system 3 and Zpoxy . The Zpoxy is a better product for finishing in my opinion than the system 3. As stated it is thinner cures up faster and is more designed to be a filler than adhesive. While I still use the pore o Paq that is my preference as I am used to that and my advice is "find what works best for you". .
Good finishing is all about prep and filling is part of the equation .

John, couple questions:

1. How many applications do you normally need?
2. Pore o pac says it "Should be used over a wash coat of sealer." Do you? If so, what.
3. How do you sand the combo?

Trying to decide what filling I want to use on my next guitar ' getting ready to do.

Thanks.