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Ryan L
Navigator

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USA
230 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/29/2012 : 02:55:34

[NOTE- how do I move this to the "general sailing" section?...]

There have been a number of threads recently regarding wood treatment. I don't recall reading any suggestions regarding integrating epoxy but forgive me if it was already covered...

Our hatch boards and cubby rings were fine sanded, wiped with mild solvent to clean, then coated in two layers of West Systems 105/207 (clear hardener). We fine sanded and cleaned between coats of epoxy. Then we applied multiple layers of Awlspar spar varnish (M3131 IIRC) as usual.

The benefit of using epoxy first is that it makes the wood much stronger and it can be sanded more smoothly with less risk of sanding through prior to applying the varnish. The varnish adds a slight tint and provides UV protection.

"Naoma"
1988 Ericson 38-200
San Diego, CA

Formerly of:
"Maria T"
1987 C25 SR WK 5695
San Diego, CA
L DOCK ARMADA

Edited by - Ryan L on 01/29/2012 03:20:24

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2012 : 22:15:50

Wow, that really shines!!!

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Tomas Kruska
Admiral

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Czech Republic
522 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2012 : 02:51:21

Nice! What is the results after season?

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3442 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2012 : 04:25:10

Sounds interesting - Looks great ! Have not heard of that technique before using epoxy. I would also be curious as to the maintenance required after years of use. How does it weather and what does it take to refresh ? After years of use, does it tend to peel, etc and then how hard to touch up or redo ?

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Arlington
Navigator

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USA
196 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2012 : 21:28:08

Looks Great!
Doug

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 02/01/2012 : 10:18:13

Ryan, thanks for sharing.

I wonder if there are "scales" for UV ratings and if so, how your formula would compare.

Certainly desirable initial results and hope you keep us updated on long term durability, upkeep.

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bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1773 Posts

Response Posted - 02/03/2012 : 20:33:31

Beautiful job -- please keep us all informed how the West coating weathers sun, rain and the normal wear and tear our boats experience.

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Lee Panza
Captain

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USA
465 Posts

Response Posted - 02/03/2012 : 22:40:31

It might be mentioned that with many of those woodworker-mariners who build small boats, kayaks & canoes using the various epoxy-saturated wood techniques, it's common to leave some or all of the work bright, and UV-blocking varnish is the standard finish. There've been plenty of vessels built this way, and the ones I've admired continue to look beautiful with periodic revarnishing.

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Ryan L
Navigator

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USA
230 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2012 : 21:09:20

I typed a detailed reply earlier but don't know why it didn't post... Anyway the gist of it was that this wasn't my idea (the epoxy thing). I learned it from professional captains of much larger/nicer yachts (think 100'+). That doesn't necessarily mean it will work on our little boats where there is no full time crew to constantly tend to the finish but so far so good after about six months or so of uncovered exposure to direct southern california sunlight.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2012 : 08:02:41

The epoxy will certainly give the wood a little extra protection, but the maintenance will still be on the varnish schedule. I tried it on a locker that was frequently wet in the interior of a previous boat with an attractive and durable result, but I'm to lazy for exterior varnish.

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Ryan L
Navigator

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USA
230 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2012 : 18:16:54

Yup! I'd be too lazy for exterior varnish too if I didn't have an amazing wife with high threshold for sanding...

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave5041
 The epoxy will certainly give the wood a little extra protection, but the maintenance will still be on the varnish schedule. I tried it on a locker that was frequently wet in the interior of a previous boat with an attractive and durable result, but I'm to lazy for exterior varnish.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.