Coating with epoxy

[Ram4x4]

Do you guys that build coat with straight epoxy and a slow hardener, like 206 or 209, or do you thin it too?

[Shane_B]

I use 207 hardner - more expensive but doesn't leave blush film that you have to remove before sanding (and great if you want to have a natural wood look finish)... and I don't thin it. Warm up the wood first to open pores before applying (can use a hair dryer) - minimizes bubbles... another technique is to use a atomizer to spray denatured alcohol above the epoxy (not directly onto the surface but allow the alcohol to settle down onto the epoxy) while it is curing (immediately after applying) to also eliminate bubbles. Saves a LOT of time sanding.

[Jeff M 2B]

Great tips!

[Dew1us]

When dad and I built boats we thinned out the epoxy with rubbing alcohol. The first coat we would squeegee it on as this would fill in the pours of the wood. And then the next couple of coats we would roll it on. By doing this it would greatly reduce the number of bubbles.

[Shane_B]

Agree, squeegee on first coat... can use a bondo squeegee or even old credit card/hotel room key card to squeegee it on - not only forces it into pores but minimizes excess epoxy on first coat...

[Ram4x4]

No issues with water absorption or shrinking after thinning with alcohol? I understand using a solvent to thin is a big no-no.

[benf27]

If you plan to leave the boat natural then your best bet would be to apply one coat of epoxy and then an automotive clear coat. Makes for a great finish and last a long time.

[Ram4x4]

I bought a used boat and it needs some sanding and another coat of epoxy, mainly on the top. The bottom was recently re-done and is pretty good, except where the cart pads rub. I do plan to paint it (no natural wood will be showing). Also need to repair the top deck area where your elbow leans when turning, last driver leaned on it hard and cracked it. I'm thinking a piece of 3mm ply about a foot long would make it strong enough to lean on when turning and not upset airflow too bad when running down the straights.

[Wild Bill 96D]

put the elbow pad on the inside.

[Flyer]

Craig is almost right. We cut it with alcohol I used enough not to make it milky white if it does just put more epoxy in. I know people say you shouldn't thin it but we never had a problem. The first coat we put it on with a squeegee let that set for about a hour. the second coat we put on with a foam roller then tipped it with a brush [also thinned]. we sanded it and cleared it with auto clear finish [concept 2020 ppg it has a good UV protection]. we had good results with this.
Flyer
Leigh,

[Ram4x4]

I guess if I am painting it, then the issues with thinning won't be a problem.

Don't laugh, but the paint job primary colors will be rattle can enamel, which I will color sand and then have a local shop shoot it with clear. I'll do the final sanding and buffing. I did that on a motorcycle helmet and it held up very, very well and looked very good. I don't have my own spray gear and I don't want to spend a fortune on a full-on automotive paint job.

[Jerry Davids]

We as kids growing up at Leigh's shop..... wouldn't let us do any of the finish work. Now in my shop I don't let anybody else do the finish work. Leigh .. thanks for always being a great mentor and an even better friend.

[TPLACE31]

Jerry....when did you grow up?

[Tom Cronk]

Rochester and Webster N.Y.

[Tom Cronk]

Leigh and the Davids Family go way back to the GOOD old days.

[jsilvestri]

You can also use marine paint with a hardner such as petite brand. Roll on with a foam roller and tip off with a small brush. Do small areas at a time as the paint sets up quickly. I've used this for years. You can buy it on-line easily a quart at a time and it goes pretty far. I'd use the white primer first as well.

[Brian10s]

I have used this as well - Joe told me about it. I have even brushed it on - and it self levels and lasts. Peteite Ezpoxy, I think is the brand name. I got it from West Marine. Have used it with the primer and without. Good stuff.