How do I get air bubbles out of a 50/50 mix of
micro ballons and West Systems epoxy?

Paul Lamar

Paul,
     I race sail boats so I buy Micro by the 5 or 10 # bag for fairing

the

hulls.

I hand mix all of the micro. I never get bubbles unless I vigorously mix

the

epoxy and micro or if the temperature of the resin is on the low side

making

it very thick.

A more gentle mixing action with resin at about 75 Degrees in a likewise

warm

room should give you a mix without bubbles. I would also watch how you

apply

the mix. This can also be a source of bubbles if you do not use

deliberate and

controlled strokes with the squeegee.

When I get bubbles, the only way to get a good surface is to drill into

the

bubble so that a shallow cone is created. Another application of a

slightly

more fluid mix gets most of the problems. I just keep doing it until

there are

no more holes.

Hope this helps a little.

Sincerely,

Wally-

Thanks. Best solution so far. I do believe I am stirring too vigorously

and it

has been rather cool at the hanger lately.

Paul Lamar

I use a hair dryer to warm the mixture as I spread it on.  It's like warming
honey.....spreads easier and the bubbles rise to the top.
Ernesto

 
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