I would be interested in discussion on the two types, Is one as good as the other? And Is the water based as good as the epoxy in the potential problem areas? Im asking because i have yet to use the water base, I sometimes need some extended time for adjustments. I find with the epoxy you better have your eyes in tune once you get started. thanks
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Or that's what my wife would say. Each has its own strength. I love the epoxy on game heads because when you're done, its DONE. But on lifesize or larger game heads where time is desirable, the water based is super stuff. You have about 3 days to get it like you want it. It's even better for dry tanned/rehydrated hides as they tend to have a little "memory" and my not tuck or indent where you'd like. The water base keeps it soft underneath and you can make those finishing touches a day or two later.
You can extend the epoxy two ways. Chill it (but it makes mixing harder) or add a small amount of Xylol. I don't recommend chilling it after you've mixed it because though it will slow down, the chemical reaction process has begun regardless. Xylol will give you a coupl more hours on average, but you still can't push it.
I generally use both on most projects. I like to set my eyes with apoxie sculpt, and use the Epo-Grip epoxy on the facial areas. I concentrate on getting the face set and when I get it like I want it....it is done. Only then do I "lube" the rest of the form with the water base Epo-Grip and button it up. I do a lot of elk and mule deer and just can't bring myself to smearing the epoxy on the whole form, besides it seems that the pink stuff allows me to taxi the skin more easily.
They both have their own strengths, but the water base, from my limited experience does not have the holding power of the epoxy. I really only have limited experience with their epoxy, but I did like the way it held. My only problem with the epoxy is I like more working time and I am not the cleanest taxidermist around while working. The waterbase cleans up much easier for me. Actually I had plenty of working time with the epoxy as long as I had no interuptions once I had the glue on, but that is another problem all together. As long as I have a properly fitting form, nothing tight, I don't have any problem with the water base. With all that said, I prefer the consistency of the epoxy and it seemed to allow me to achieve a softer look because it maintians that consistency once it has set.
Now that I have discussed it I think I'll get the epoxy out next week.