Solarez Finish

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Maybe use your stabilizing resin tanks and get a chunk of dry ice from the store. It will sublimate and push all the oxygen out.

If you dont want to use the ice than maybe just squirt the CO2 gas into the tank?

Could mount the leds on the side and just put the blank in vertical on a stick and rotate.

Could also use a small fish tank from Goodwill if you don't have a resin tank.
 
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As I reported in my earlier post, some (and Ed is at least one) have reported the same results without all the extra steps. I tried several times, but couldn't get it to where they reported getting it.

Ed, please share your approach...maybe others will have the same experience. I wish I can.

Thank you,

Tony
 
edstreet said:
I still say all of it is unnecessary.
Click to expand...
If you read my post carefully, I did say that the underlying surface is hard, so yes you can get results without the inert atmosphere. We're just having fun trying to make it better. I do have a much simpler version as well.
 
What happens if you are able to get a coated pen out into the sunshine? Does the tackiness and other problems go away, or is the UV flashlight and the sun one in the same as far as allowing a cure? Also, was there ever a formula put together that pen turners could use?
 
The sun works (biggest UV flashing in the sky :-) ). That is how I first started using it. Gary, the inventor, and I discussed formula for pen finishing. He made me some that uses a different curing process - but not for sale yet. However, I want to use, and do use) the formulas that are available now. I would encourage you to call him. We wrote each other a dozen or so times and I spoke to for hours over several conversations. Several members here state that they don't have to go through what I do. I can't do it their way and achieve a crystal-clear finish.
 
So, by using the sun instead of the UV lights, you can achieve better success and maybe eliminate the problems that occur when using the UV lights?
 
I know I'm chiming in on this at a late stage but I have a lot of experience with different UV cures from fly tying/rod building use. I've always been able to eliminate the tackiness with a quick wipe of alcohol, not sure if this works with the Solarez product or not.

Although I'm not turning pens at the moment, most of my turning is flyrod reelseats, and I've borrowed a lot of techniques from you guys here. Thanks!! I'm interested in seeing how well the Solarez works and whether I can use it in my application'

Also wondering if anyone else has experienced an 'after taste' when using this product? I like to enjoy a cold beer or a nice scotch when tying flies and found that using UV cured epoxy really effects the taste of my beverage.

Cheers
Colin
 
One or two posts (on the Solarez blogs and forums) do recommend wiping-off with alcohol...but I can't get it to where the finish is as crystal clear and hard as when it cures absent the presence of oxygen. Others can, and I am looking forward to that demo on they come by my house in early April. I am sure I will learn much from better minds and more skilled hands (than mine).
 
So I know I am chiming in a couple years after all of this but did anyone try an argon blanket in a half tube around the resin? You wouldn't have to keep running gas around the resin. Argon would be available at Home Depot for arc welders.
Also, awesome led design for curing.
Tony- did your special mix ever hit the market? I would love to try some if it has.
I am a photochemist, so if I can help/answer questions I would be happy to.
 
showfire said:
So I know I am chiming in a couple years after all of this but did anyone try an argon blanket in a half tube around the resin? You wouldn't have to keep running gas around the resin. Argon would be available at Home Depot for arc welders.
Also, awesome led design for curing.
Tony- did your special mix ever hit the market? I would love to try some if it has.
I am a photochemist, so if I can help/answer questions I would be happy to.
Click to expand...
Just seeing this now. Sorry. We tried CO2 and that worked but hard to get a make semi closed environment that allows for blank rotation (I tried several times, but I am no engineer).

I don't know if it went to market...still suffers from oxygen inhibition when applied in thin coats.

I do not use it as a finish any more (but would love to).

I do use it to make repairs, fill holes etc. I just used it on a Cholla blank two nights ago. I will send you my number. Call any time.

The Alumi product is supposed to be good: https://www.alumilite.com/store/p/1027-Alumi-UV.aspx

There's at least one very talented member who has used it on spheres.

Please call and I will take you through our experiments.
 
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