Flux Core Bead Appearance

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I haven't tried any flux core in a few years and even then I only did it a small amount. I have an upcoming project in which I will be taking my new welder with me (Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP). There will be a lot of welding on the project, some of it stick, some of it wire. It will not be practical to take my C25 tank with me, so the wire portion will be done with flux core. I figured I better get a little more practice on flux core, so I did a little today out in the shop. I am a decent hobby weldor, just not much experience with flux core.I was using Lincoln NR-211MP .035" (the small spool that came with my welder). I got really great results. I was able to lay down darn near a perfect bead. The question I have, however is that the bead had a very dull appearance after brushing off the slag. Is this normal for flux core or am I doing something wrong? I have a 10 lb. spool of Hobart Fabshield 21B that I will be using for my project. I haven't tried it yet but am curious whether it will have the same dull appearance as the Lincoln.Any experts to answer this question?Lincoln Ranger 305gMiller X-Treme 8VS Suitcase FeederLincoln Powermig 210 MPLincoln AC225 TombstoneAmico MMA-160Titanium Easy Flux 125A pile of grinders.
Reply:In my experience none of the self shielded wires give as "shinny" of bead appearance as do the dual shielded ones.   As long as you're getting good fusion and bead profile I wouldn't let their "shinny-ness" (or lack there of) worry me to much.
Reply:The flux core bead is a bit shinier if you give a few minutes, like 5 plus, to let it cool before trying to remove the slag. Slag comes off easier too. Just rake it with an old file end or something similar and it flakes right off."The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:Yep, it's shiny after you brush off the flour-like slag.
Reply:If you're working outside, in a stiff breeze (something in the 20+mph range), it's possible to get a case of the "gray welds".  Both with stick, and flux core.  Dull beads.I dunno whether the phenomenon is caused by too rapid cooling of the weld, or wind interfering with the shielding.  Either way, it's something I've encountered."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/