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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: tenbrook on June 18, 2011, 09:32:00 AM

Title: Epoxy finish ?
Post by: tenbrook on June 18, 2011, 09:32:00 AM

I have been building some Canoe and SUP paddles lately and have been finishing them with West Systems Epoxy (105 epoxy and 206 hardener) and then a final spray of Minwax Spar Urethane.  Turns out real nice and gives an incredibly durable finish.  

I am thinking of using this same technique on my "Trade bow".  Is there any reason why this would not work with a bow?  Will the Epoxy be flexible enough?

Thanks

Tenbrook

 http://www.westsystem.com/ss/

 http://www.minwax.com/wood-products/exterior-clear-protective-finishes/minwax-water-based-helmsman-spar-urethane

Title: Re: Epoxy finish ?
Post by: John Scifres on June 18, 2011, 10:15:00 AM

It will work.

Title: Re: Epoxy finish ?
Post by: milehi101 on June 18, 2011, 01:07:00 PM

I have used West systems to finish wood bows and had good luck with it.  I have also added strips of 4 oz cloth to both bellies and backs and increased weight.  I like it left clear with the varnish to protect the epoxy so the wood grain can be seen.  I have also painted camo  over the glass before I varnish them with great results

Title: Re: Epoxy finish ?
Post by: Colorado Joe on June 18, 2011, 02:09:00 PM

Post some pics of them SUP paddles

Title: Re: Epoxy finish ?
Post by: snag on June 18, 2011, 02:13:00 PM

I wonder if this is any different than Thunderbird? Do you apply it by spraying it?

Title: Re: Epoxy finish ?
Post by: tenbrook on June 19, 2011, 11:50:00 AM

Quote

Originally posted by snag:
I wonder if this is any different than Thunderbird? Do you apply it by spraying it?

I just rub it in by hand and then use an old rag to wipe off any extra.  Wet sand with 220 reapply a second coat, wet sand again, and then a final spray with the Minwax

 

Quote

Originally posted by Colorado Joe:
Post some pics of them SUP paddles

Here ya go.

The Canoe paddle is not complete yet.  I have glassed the blade and applied the first coat of West Systems.  Still need to complete the finish and add the grip.

Enjoy!

 (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/matter_daddy/DSCN1828.jpg)

 (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/matter_daddy/DSCN1830.jpg)

 (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/matter_daddy/DSCN1829.jpg)

 (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/matter_daddy/DSCN1826.jpg)

 (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/matter_daddy/DSCN1831.jpg)

 (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/matter_daddy/DSCN1827.jpg)

Title: Re: Epoxy finish ?
Post by: milehi101 on June 20, 2011, 09:51:00 AM

"I wonder if this is any different than Thunderbird"
Yes it is it is a epoxy resin and like all epoxy resin I know of it us damaged by U V sun rays and must be covered by a varnish that protects the epoxy from the rays of the sun.  
The main purpose of the product is to use a form to build composite products from fiberglass cloth and the epoxy resin as a wetting and gluing agent.  It is also used to cover the hulls of canoes and boats with fiberglass.  The good part is it is flexible and will work well as a  bellies and back on bows and when finishes it is similar to the glass strips we use.