?? DIY Microkote/Spinout ??? Anyone done this?

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BCJohn

Member
So I was sitting here doing some reading and came across another mention of Microkote/Spinout paint on coatings. I have to admit to being very interested in these, especially in the Smart Pots.

I have powdered copper siting in the garage and some older latex paints... Is this a possible idea???

Or am I just out of my mind? :eyesmoke:

I would love to know if anyone has tried this kind of thing before??

And yes I know what kind of warnings some people are going to have... POISON!!! I'm not an idiot, I get that there is risk if you consume this stuff. I do know how to handle it as I already use it for a few different things. That is the reason I have it in the first place.

I just want to know if anyone has tried to make their own Microkote or Spinout coatings.
 
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LIBERTYCHICKEN

Well-Known Member
i had to just do a quick google to learn what microkote spinout is so I dont know much about it but Copper sulphate seems like a poor choice for a copper supplement

Copper sulphate is also used to kill roots in plumbing systems
 
B

BCJohn

Member
LC,
It is the killing part that is the whole point.
It is painted onto the inside of the pots you use to keep the roost from growing tightly around the outside of the soil. The roots grow out to the pot. They touch the copper infused paint and stop growing. This then causes them to branch and send out lots of small hair type roots. This creates a dense and fibrous root ball which then takes advantage of the growing medium better than a normal pot.
It's used by nurseries apparently. There are some threads on here that talk about using it.

THe only difference for me is that the commercial products are made with copper hydroxide, not sulfate.
 
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GreenLove1

Member
Let me know what you need to know. I have tried every combo of SpinOut/Microkote in Pots and bags plus a few more. I am a hard core Microkote believer / Roots are King Believer. Not here to dog anybodies method of promoting better roots but will shot straight on what I have seen and can support...Per making your own, There are more to those formulations than just copper and paint. I have made it also, but a heck of a lot easier to buy a small bottle to try. A gallon of Microkote for $120 will coat 500+ 1 gallon pots and last for many years before having to re-coat. Very cheap for massive roots. Get it easy from a couple of sites. Very cool Michigan people- www.microkote.com and www.horticulturespecialties.com... FYI- Copper Sulfate will be a bad choice mixing your own , thats more for an aquatic herbicide. Peace
 
B

BCJohn

Member
GreenLove1 said:
Let me know what you need to know. I have tried every combo of SpinOut/Microkote in Pots and bags plus a few more. I am a hard core Microkote believer / Roots are King Believer. Not here to dog anybodies method of promoting better roots but will shot straight on what I have seen and can support...Per making your own, There are more to those formulations than just copper and paint. I have made it also, but a heck of a lot easier to buy a small bottle to try. A gallon of Microkote for $120 will coat 500+ 1 gallon pots and last for many years before having to re-coat. Very cheap for massive roots. Get it easy from a couple of sites. Very cool Michigan people- www.microkote.com and www.horticulturespecialties.com... FYI- Copper Sulfate will be a bad choice mixing your own , thats more for an aquatic herbicide. Peace
Click to expand...
Hey Man thanks for the response.
What is it that they use? I just happen to have the sulfate on hand. I would be interested in hearing about the real thing. I don't have an issue with the money I just like making my own stuff when I can.

Cheers!
 
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