Generation 4 High Build

Gen 4 resins are creating a buzz among rodbuilders worldwide! Extreme debulking, incredible fluidity and ease of processing, these epoxy resins specially formulated for rodbuilding are going to be the talk of the town.

Low and High versions are solvent-free.

About GEN4: GEN 4 Wrapping Varnish provides rodbuilders with the highest level of epoxy quality available on the market. Using the latest air bubble release and surface tension technologies, GEN4 offers what is probably the best combination of physical properties available on the rodbuilders' market

What is XAR? XAR stands for eXtreme Air Release, and is our version of the latest air release technology in epoxy casting resins. The first thing you'll notice about GEN4 Varnishing resins is that, compared with other varnishes, it offers greater resistance to bubble entrapment due to poor mixing. Secondly, the air that is introduced into the mixture during the mixing process is released much more effectively and efficiently during application. What's more, we've extended the pot life of GEN4 by around 12 minutes to allow more time for the air displaced in the Wrapping to release on its own. Of course, the XAR air release technology is limited by the length of time the mixed resin remains sufficiently viscous for the bubbles to move to the surface. To this end, best practices for mixing resin and catalyst (read; slowly and calmly) must be implemented to keep the amount of trapped air to a minimum to begin with.

What is TruBlu Measure / Mix: TruBlu Measure & Mix is an additive we put in the resin part (Part A) of the formula to help differentiate the resin from the catalyst. Several of my former OEMs noted that the two parts were so clear that it would be easy for one of them to accidentally mix two parts resin or two parts hardener instead of one of each. To avoid any confusion, we added a "disappearing" blue dye to visually differentiate the two components. What's more, it acts as a visual indicator of when the mixture is correctly blended. If the blue has not completely disappeared, the mixing process is not complete.

Properties of GEN4

Mixing ratio: 1:1
Pot life: 30 min at 21 degrees Celcius
Recoat time: 4 hours at 21 degrees Celcius
Turnaround time: 3 hours at 21 degrees Celcius
Touch-dry: 10 hours at 21 degrees Celcius
Can be fished after 24 hours, but we recommend 48 hours to allow complete cure

Instructions: Measure with syringes a minimum of 3 cc of each component. Mix SLOWLY AND FAST for at least 3 minutes. If a haze or hint of blue dye remains, continue mixing until the mixture is clear. Pour onto a flat surface to allow the XAR protocol to release any remaining bubbles. Apply with a brush or spatula until the desired film thickness is reached. Run for at least 3 hours, CONTINUOUSLY CHECKING for bubbles, as XAR will continue to push bubbles to the surface even as the mixture begins to thicken. To ensure that no bubbles are trapped in the changing surface tension as the cure progresses, you'll need to check the cane regularly to monitor and remove any air that may not release on its own due to thickening viscosity. XAR is only effective with a specific viscosity. As the mixture continues to cure, the thickening viscosity will be the only barrier that doesn't allow bubbles to continue to release.

Difference between Low and High Build: the Low Build version is more fluid. It allows for a thinner varnish. It is therefore particularly suitable for light rods or fly rods.
Contrary to other brands' Low or lite varnishes, Gen 4 Low Build is not solvent-based. So there's no shrinkage due to evaporation.
The High build version therefore allows you to make a thicker varnish.