Duratex Roller Grade or High Build ?

[gerryc]

After having completed my Omni 10.5's and having used Duratex High Build with a texture roller (loop type), I was somewhat disappointed with the results (caveat: this is my first time using Duratex). I had some significant cracking and peeling problems that I had to scrape and re-do. I used two coats, the first with just a high nap roller, the second with the loop texture roller. I left over 4 hours between the coats, but it was the second coat that caused the problems. I expect that based on previous comments, I just applied too thick of a coat with the texture roller.

So with this behind me and gearing up for my next build which is an O15TB (just got all the parts, thanks Leland!) I'm contemplating whether for rolling, the original roller grade would be better than the high build (I really don't want to get into spraying). I was going for a highly textured finish with the 10.5's and that may have contributed to my problem. Actually I realized that I would prefer less texture, more along the lines of a leather or tolex kind of finish. Would I be better off with the roller grade or stay with the high build but just use a high nap roller instead (being careful not to apply too much on one coat)?

[Tim A]

The whole idea of high-build is a single coat system.

Drying time isn't based as much on hours as it is conditions. Humidity will slow the process, heat will speed it up, etc. If you use regular and are doing 2 coats, try letting the base dry overnight.

[gerryc]

The whole idea of high-build is a single coat system.

Drying time isn't based as much on hours as it is conditions. Humidity will slow the process, heat will speed it up, etc. If you use regular and are doing 2 coats, try letting the base dry overnight.

Oh, so you're saying that I would have been better off just using a single coat (it did actually look pretty good after the first coat come to think of it)? I wound up using 5-ply fir plywood and I remember reading somewhere that Duratex wouldn't cover as well on the fir as it would on BB or the Arauco, so I was thinking to use 2 coats. Probably wasn't necessary with the high build stuff.

[David Carter]

I had many of the same problems with my first Duratex experience. After talking to Acrytech on the phone, I concluded that it was low temps, not enough drying time, and too thick a coat that caused my problems. I also used High Build. For my second attempt, I used roller grade (based on the recommendation of the Acrytech guy I spoke to) and also took steps to avoid all the other issues. The results were great. I would recommend using roller grade plus being careful about application conditions. That should produce much better results. One or two coats is just a matter of whether or not you get the coverage and texture you want with the first coat. I did two coats.

[LelandCrooks]

Roller grade is very forgiving. Hibuild can be rolled, spraying is best.

I personally much prefer the hibuild, but I also spray everything.

[DaveK]

You can also try spraying instead of rolling. It sounds intimidating at first (at least it did to me), but is pretty easy. You just need a $100 pancake sprayer (borrow from a friend if possible) and a ~$20 texture sprayer from Harbor Freight. I'm really happy with the results.

[gerryc]

You can also try spraying instead of rolling. It sounds intimidating at first (at least it did to me), but is pretty easy. You just need a $100 pancake sprayer (borrow from a friend if possible) and a ~$20 texture sprayer from Harbor Freight. I'm really happy with the results.

Well, actually I do have the compressor (part of a brad nailer kit that worked great for my O10.5's). Hmm... I'll have to think about the spraying thing. If I do decide to spray, would the correct sprayer be something like this?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=43430

[LelandCrooks]

Nope, that's a hvlp, too fine to spray duratex. You need a texture hopper gun. It appears the harbor freight cheapie is gone. I couldn't find it on their site.

http://www.amazon.com/Air-Hopper-Textur ... 617&sr=8-7

I sell a professional grade one. It's around $90.

http://www.speakerhardware.com/proddeta ... d=tl572675

[DJPhatman]

Check this out! No compressor required!

[LelandCrooks]

Check this out! No compressor required!

I saw that. It's pretty cool, but my experience with Wagner is not good. From personal perspective, not from rental use.

[DaveK]

You need a texture hopper gun. It appears the harbor freight cheapie is gone. I couldn't find it on their site.

http://www.amazon.com/Air-Hopper-Textur ... 617&sr=8-7

It's hard to find on their site, but this is the one I bought and the one mentioned on the Duratex web site.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/D ... umber=2471