Can Epoxy Be Protected From UV Light With A Clear Coat Product

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Hi,

I have been applying epoxy glue to protect against moisture ingress on some internal partitions for a cupboard. The partitions are made from some old marine ply which was varnished in the past. After preparing the surface by sanding down the varnish until I had a sound, clean and tough finish I applied the Epoxy to the new cut edges, plain wood back of the panel and continued over the varnished surface. It is gash wood and old epoxy that I am just using up and I thought if it reacts with the varnish or fails to go off, it's no big deal.

However, the finish is remarkable on the old varnish, tough, flat and glossy, with all the old dents and scores in the ply panel levelled off by the epoxy. So, I was wondering if I applied this method to my old washboards, what would I have to add to make the Epoxy UV proof or can one overcoat Epoxy with UV stable varnish as a UV barrier. Looking at Google and West product page it appears that UV stabilising additives for Epoxy only offer a limited or temporary protection.

Just curious!

Regards,

BlowingOldBoots
 
Yes, you can get UV inhibited varnish, usually described as spar varnish. However for washboards, better to strip bare and use International Woodskin. Epoxy is really over kill in this type of application, and if it does get UV damage it goes milky and looks terrible - and is difficult to remove. Woodskin is easy to apply, looks good with a deep sheen and only needs a refesher coat after 3 or 4 years.
 
Varnish will protect the epoxy.....

One method of doing so is to apply the epoxy and before it goes off and is still tacky put your first coat of varnish on.

The theory is that the epoxy bonds with the wood and the varnish then bonds with the epoxy rather than just sticking to it.

Tom.
 
Thanks everyone. As the boat has been out the water for major maintenance I have neglected the washboards which do have International Woodskin on them (your previous advice Tranona). They will need sanded again as some black spots have appeared as well as general crapiness setting in. LadyOldBoots did not like the orange colour that it produced (teak washboards) although I thought it was fine. The International Woodskin was easy to apply and has lasted 2 years but this 3rd year and 2 winters have not been kind to them.

Regards,

BlowingOldBoots
 
I am in exactly the same position, and while Woodskin is perfectly good, I also agree that it results in a rather bland orange colour that does nothing to enhance the beautiful grain of teak. I am therefore hoping to get round to treating mine in the same way. My personal experience with International Two Part Polyurethane is very good. Coats can be built up very quickly, its as hard wearing as epoxy and is UV inhibited. I think I will just use the polyurethane and feel there is no need for the epoxy.
 
ip485 said:
I am in exactly the same position, and while Woodskin is perfectly good, I also agree that it results in a rather bland orange colour that does nothing to enhance the beautiful grain of teak. I am therefore hoping to get round to treating mine in the same way. My personal experience with International Two Part Polyurethane is very good. Coats can be built up very quickly, its as hard wearing as epoxy and is UV inhibited. I think I will just use the polyurethane and feel there is no need for the epoxy.
Click to expand...
Two pack polyurethane is the standard stuff for carbon dinghy masts.
Also great on wooden racing dinghies, particularly those that are garaged in winter.
It does need re-doing after a few years of sun.

Best thing for washboards is to make some plastic or scruffy plywood ones for the winter?
 
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