Removing finger oils

[davebart]

Hey all just got done painting up a few plugs and was ready to tackle the epoxy clear coat when I was reading the horrors of skin oils and finger prints and the inability of epoxy to adhere to that area. I painted with standard createx paint including purlised. Now I know I've handled these with bare hands a mistake I won't make again but my question is what can gently clean the surface with so you don't get that nasty clear coat? I know the paint is water based so honestly I haven't a clue in which direction to go. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for the help

[Ed White]

Not the end of the world, I handle plugs after paint all the time to assemble and wire them, unless you've got some nasty funk on your hands you should be fine. I'd be more concerned about whatever you use to wipe them causing issues.

Latex gloves would help going forward, if you think it's necessary.

[Simp]

You can put a clear coat over the paint as well. I use a coat of lacquer between painting and epoxy. I'm using System 3 though. Try it on a plug and see if it works.

[davebart]

Ok will do thank you

[John E]

Have you tried a quick wipe down with rubbing alcohol before clear coat to remove the oils from your hands?  Try it on a plug, it shouldn't effect your paint. Of course make sure the plug is dry before clear coating.

 

I was never a fan of spraying a clear finish before applying epoxy but try a few methods and see what works for you.

[davebart]

I was worried about wiping the plug down and removing paint. I don't have clear coat so I'll try it out and see what happens. Thanks again for the help

[John E]

Never had an issue wiping down the createx paints with rubbing alcohol once they were dry.  However, I only did when I when I handled the plugs after painting which was rare. I was very careful not to touch the plug with my bare hands after it was painted.

 

I used to use either System 3 Mirror Coat or Clear Coat epoxies. The Mirror Coat is a bar top finish like Envirotex and I found it easier to work with. The Clear Coat gave a better and more durable finish but was tempermental.