|
Wood Finishing with Epoxy
|
| souweine |
Posted on 02/21/08 - 6:25 AM
|
Member
Personal Page
Posts: 85
Comments:
0
Joined: 02/27/07
|
There'a a great discussion going on about finishing the wood work on our whalers. there was a comment I would like more information on.
"2 coats of West epoxy followed by several coats of Spar varnish and you will have a perfect finish that stands up far better than varnish alone." by dtmackey.
I have already refinished all the wood work on my Nauset using stain and spar varnish, varnish, varnish. I am hoping to build a fishing platform in the bow area to use as a sun deck/casting deck this spring.
Maybe we could get some comments about using epoxies as base coats prior to varnish. Being that the platform will be walked on this sounds like a great stratagy to increase strength and durability.
Let's talk about products, techniques, pre-treatment prep, costs vs. conventional, etc.
Let's have fun and think spring!
Joshua
Edited by souweine on 02/21/08 - 6:32 AM
1988 Revenge 22WT |
| |
|
|
| jvz |
Posted on 02/21/08 - 7:06 AM
|
Member
Personal Page
Posts: 215
Comments:
10
Joined: 03/16/07
|
West System is a great product.. espeacially when used w/ the micro-baloon powder for patching etc.... never used it as a base/sealer for varnish ... i have used "Sterling" CLEAR ,two part, linear -poly urethane as a protective top coat. Expensive .....
|
| |
|
|
| Derwd24 |
Posted on 02/21/08 - 12:09 PM
|
Member
Posts: 1607
Comments:
9
Joined: 05/09/07
|
I used West System epoxy to finish the top of a mahogany ski many years back and had to redo it when it fogged over after getting wet the first time. Learned the hard way that the 207 Special Coating Hardner had to be used to get a clear finish when water contact is involved. That being said, after coating with epoxy mixed with the 207, it's still in great shape today!
Not sure if the same holds true when multiple coats of varnish are applied over the top, but it can't hurt to use the 207 regardless...
|
| |
|
|
| ioptfm |
Posted on 02/21/08 - 12:34 PM
|
Member
Personal Page
Posts: 1533
Comments:
3
Joined: 10/28/06
|
Biggest problem I have had in using epoxy on a large area is keeping it level and air bubbles out of it.
Tom
1979 Sport 15' |
| |
|
|
| drandlett |
Posted on 02/21/08 - 4:50 PM
|
Member
Personal Page
Posts: 146
Comments:
0
Joined: 03/01/06
|
Joshua,
I have not finished any wood with epoxy however have just started removing old varnish from my console in preperation for an epoxy sealer followed by varnish. Found some great information on www.westsystem.com, then under there "project" tab you'll find a "techniques and materials" button, then you'll find a the link for "varnish over epoxy". It gives the basic idea behind using epoxy as a base coat and some basic instructions.
Like Derwd said there is a combo of 105 Resin and 207 Special Coating Hardener. Unless I hear awful things, that'll be my plan of attack.
Edited by drandlett on 02/21/08 - 4:51 PM |
| |
|
|
| souweine |
Posted on 02/21/08 - 5:03 PM
|
Member
Personal Page
Posts: 85
Comments:
0
Joined: 02/27/07
|
Thanks for the website. I'll check it out later.
How about cost of materials?
1988 Revenge 22WT |
| |
|
|
| drandlett |
Posted on 02/22/08 - 4:41 AM
|
Member
Personal Page
Posts: 146
Comments:
0
Joined: 03/01/06
|
I buy all my marine supplies at Hamilton Marine as they are local and very helpful (www.hamiltonmarine.com). In fact I would rather spend more for something there then buy it at one of the large chain marine stores where help is few and far between. I'm sure there are suppliers out there with better prices, but here's a starting point.
Costs: WS 105 Resin 1qt = $29.99
WS 207 Special Hardener 1pt = $27.99
1gal resin = $79.99
1/3gal hardener = 60.99
Not sure how far a 1qt will take you, but clearly as with all marine projects this won't be cheap after the epoxy and quality marine varnish. However, to me it seems the final product is worth the cost or atleast from what I've read it does.
|
| |
|
