Can't get Zpoxy to fill pores

[ian12]

Hi All

I have been french polishing a lot recently and have been experimenting with a few different pore fillers. I have settled on zpoxy as it doesn't seem to sink after it has cured - I did have some curing issues at the start but this was due to low temps and made a hot box to cure pieces in.

The problem I am having is when I apply the zpoxy and I scrape it over the surface trying to force it into the pores, I then take of the excess of and let it cure. After doing this about 3-4 times I still have areas around the marquetry that has no been filled - its like when I scrape of the air in these gaps will not let zpoxy in (I think)

If I put epoxy on without scraping excess it fills the areas but is a lot of work when sanding.

Anyway was wondering if anyone had any ideas of how to cure this.

Thanks

Ian

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[darren]

nice boxes there... when you apply the zpoxy are you scraping it once and letting it sit or working into the pores?

you need to work it back and forth from several angles - that should force the air out of those spots. On a guitar back I might spend 4-5 minutes working the zpoxy around and then do one series of passes that just pick up the extra material. search for Todd Stocks videos on youtube, they are the go-to instructions for zpoxy.

[ian12]

Thanks Darren

I did watch the videos - very good.

I maybe need to force that in a bit more, would a rubber squidgy be better for this? I am using a credit card.

Thanks

Ian

[David L]

Beautiful boxes, how do they sound? Just kidding of course. I build boxes also but mine don't look nearly as good as yours!!!

David L

[darren]

I do use a squeegee, maybe give that a try.

[ian12]

Ok thanks guys will try the squeegee.

Ian

[Darryl Young]

Ian, use the squeegee and use pressure to push the Zpoxy down into the pores. Another trick is to warm the resin and hardener before mixing. This decreases the viscoscity where it flows down into pores easier. Warming probably helps the most on the first coat. You can warm it in the sink with hot water.

[B. Howard]

Try leaving a heavier coat of epoxy, wait about 4-6 hrs till it is more than gelled but not really cured and scrape off the excess with a scraper. I use SB112 under my french polish. I add some silica for thickener and two coats applied like this usually does it for me. Make sure to let the epoxy fully cure between scraping and re-coating.

[ian12]

Hi all - that tutorial was very good and the idea of mashing it into the pores makes sense.

I will try this over the weekend and post my results next week.

Many thanks

Ian