system 3 quickfair

Hoover · #1 06-04-2009, 11:43 PM

Everything I have ever read about this product has been great. I bought 1 1/2 gallons and have had nothing but trouble. I mixed it by hand and it didn't set up correctly. I sanded the goop,and wiped remainder that didn't set off with acetone. Then I went out and bought a scale and mixed 7 to 3 parts exactly. I made certain to mix it and mix it and mix it some more. This new layer has been on for about thirty minutes and its not getting hard either. I went to the system three web site and read the trouble shooting problems prior to this last application and it is still just not gettin it. What am I doing wrong?

bigeasy1 · #2 06-05-2009, 08:53 AM

Quick fair is a 2 to 1 mix.I've used it a lot,and never had any problems or issues with it.
I would mix it as per instructions at a 2 to 1 mix.Forget the scale,it's not "that! critical.I just mix it(by volume) on a piece of plastic flexible cutting board,at 2-1 and its worked great every time.

Islandtrader · #3 06-05-2009, 10:11 AM

I am with you. I have bought a couple of gallons of the quick fair and have had my share of problems.

I switched to a product called Ultra Fair 861. It is a 1.1 ratio and does not kick as fast as system 3. Plus I think it fairs out easier and you seem to use less.

Tarpun · #4 06-05-2009, 10:28 AM

I used Quick Fair on my 20' MA and my 16' Whaler with no problems at all. Could be a bad batch. I eyeballed the mix ratios and never had a problem. Call the Mfg. and see if they will replace it?

Hoover · #5 06-05-2009, 12:20 PM

Thanks for response guys. I did eyeball it originally and that was what I thought was causing the problems. Then I went to the scale because the label said thats better for small batches. Oh well it didnt get any better. Wouldnt mind so much for the labor I put in, but at 175 bucks it hurts a little.

muddywater · #6 06-06-2009, 10:42 AM

Add me to the list of people that has not had any problems with Quikfair. I just roughly measure (2:1), and all my batches have been small.

I also use cabosil & epoxy for holes (Quikfair for small scrapes etc) and noted the other day (confirmed by Will) that when I mix bigger batches of epoxy it has not gone so well because it gets too hot and sags/runs on vertical surfaces (but I probably also didn't add enough cabosil). I have not tried any really big batches with the Quikfair except for fairing a 2 ft wide hole that I filled.

strick · #7 06-06-2009, 05:32 PM

For best success with quick fair you should mix small batches at a time. The only time I have ever had trouble with quick fair was mixing big batches and cold temps.

strick

Islandtrader · #8 06-07-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

For best success with quick fair you should mix small batches at a time. The only time I have ever had trouble with quick fair was mixing big batches and cold temps.

strick

In Florida large batches means the size of a coffee cup. I have mixed that stuff and it just kicks right off. It has happened enough for me to change after I ran out.

The new stuff from adtech for me is much easier and I can mix a larger batch without any pre kick off.

3rdday · #9 06-07-2009, 10:18 PM

epoxies must be mixed percisely. There cannot be any free amines. some are by volume and some are by weight. They can also be moisture sensitive ( i always checked my humidity before wortking with epoxy) I would have finished my project much quicker, but there were many,many times I waited)

WillyC · #10 06-11-2009, 07:38 PM

Here is my setup for using quickfair. For larger batches I use the 1 tablespoon and 1/2 tablespoon measuring spoons. I always use a plastic spoon for getting the stuff out of the measuring cups. I rarely use more than one of each scoop at a time. For smaller batches I use the plastic syringes. Its kinda a pain to load them up without getting alot of air trapped inside (screws up mix ratio's) but its so quick and easy to make small batches. I have probably made hundreds of 5 and 10 ml batches. Lately I have been making 2 and 4 ml batches. Works great. I'm a total freak about surface prep, mix ratio's and thoroughly mixing. Never had a problem yet. Oh yeah, I always mix on my console glove box lid with a puddy knife. Mixing in plastic cups sucks and wastes alot. Hope this helps. As you can see in the last 2 picts I've been doing alot of filling and fairing. Where would I be without a drimmel tool?