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Need help - Epoxy as a finish

3K views 12 replies 6 participants last post by  Treefarmer 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hello All,

I'm building my brother a paddle and was wondering about the epoxy finish I'm using. This is my 1st time using epoxy and I could use some tips.

I've read the West Systems manual but was wondering if we have any experts. I've used the 206 slow hardener for the laminations and I'm planning on using the 207 hardener for the finish. Any thoughts or tips on application for the best finish? Also what varnish would you recommend? This paddle if it performs well will see a lot of Hawaiian sun.

Thanks,
 
#3 ·
There was an article in FWW within the past year - for finishing an outdoor chair. I think they brushed on coats of epoxy and spar varnish. If I recall correctly the epoxy was a little thin and really sank down into the wood providing great protection.

I'll see if I can find that issue - can't have gone far.
 
#5 ·
Thanks Scott. I think I'll look for that epifanes varnish. I'll still be using the west systems epoxy though. I want a little more durable coat than the epoxy sealer gives. One of the issues I have though is getting a good even coat and getting it to cure without runs. On such an odd shaped piece its tough to get no drip spots with the thick epoxy. I was thinking of switching to the fast hardener and just continuosly turning it until it cures.

FWW is such a great resource.
 
#10 ·
Thanks, Bob. Got a real good price on the same thing that woodcraft sells.

Sounds like you should wait till you get all your finishing lined up. It does not keep well, or stay liquid very long. And, your brushes will be trash after yoiu use them. Looks likek I will get some cheap chip brushes from harbor freight….LOL

God Bless,
Hawg
 
#11 ·
Bob , one thing that may help you is a hair dryer.
I use one to bring up bubbles to the surface of thick coating where they usually pop leaving a smooth surface.
I am using the west system right now for a timber repair and it is real pricey.
If I were using a lot of it I would got back to Devcon or the Makim group with K-poxy (Waltham MA)
 
#13 · (Edited by Moderator)
Thanks Bob….If things go like I think they may I'll be using a lot more epoxy and the west systems is pricey and Waltham isn't very far from me.

Woodminer…you can see the finished pics here. http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/Treefarmer/blog/1764 They came out nice for the most part. Still had some issues here and there though.

I'm starting another paddle for the Philanthropy Challenge but this won't be an epoxy finish. I'll probably just use a satin poly since its not going to be for the water but the wall.
 
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