using west system epoxy as paint

[firstascent2002]

Hi guys,

Dose anyone know if there is a range of pigments that can be added to west system epoxy so as to use it as a paint? I want to paint the outside of my new (old) canoe with it!

Thanks in advance

J

 

[ccscott49]

I know they do pigments for polyester resins, maybe the same for epoxy?
But to be honest I would possibly use a two pack epoxy primer/undercoat, good flatting and a two pack poly paint.

 

[planteater]

I suspect that you will still have to put a coat of paint over the top for UV protection.

 

[mitiempo]

Epoxy turns yellow and degrades quickly from uv. Whatever pigment you use the finish will have to be covered with something with uv protection. You're better off to use a one or two part poly like Interlux Brightside or Perfection and skip the epoxy.

 

[oldsaltoz]

If it's just to use up the resin it will be OK but not long term, should not be a problem on a canoe as they get knocked around anyway and the hardness provided by an epoxy coat will help.

Almost any solid tint should be fine, the dust used to colour cement works. However adding a dry material to any resin will make it thicker and this could add unwanted weight.

If using epoxy you can thin it by adding up to 30% Methylated Spirits after mixing a small batch, apply with a short nap roller and lay off with a 2 inch foam brush.

 

[snowleopard]

Under no circumstances use pigments designed for polyester unless they come as a dry powder. If they are in liquid/gel form they will almost certainly use a polyester base.

There is a special epoxy designed to be used as a surface layer for e.g. coating tables. It gives a good finish and is UV etc. resistant.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Using epoxy as paint is no good in the long term the of UV light will break it down; it will help if you add dark pigment but soon it will get brittle anyway especially if used on top of a flexible surface unless you use woven cloth with it; then you will have to paint it or varnish it to protect it from UV; you will be better off using enamel paint as some other have already suggested.

 

[srm]

Have you looked at the West catalogue? They produce pigments to add to epoxy as a top coat, or they did in 2004 when I bought some white. However the white turned a light cream colour with the hardener.

 

[Daedelus]

I have a vague recollection that Southerly add pigment to their epoxies (polyesters - whatever) and say it improves them in some way. Possibly anti-osmosis.

Can't remember any details but they might be willing to have a chat.

 

[Pye_End]

Accprding to QI last night, the rail bridge over the Forth now does not require continual painting as it is painted with an epoxy paint.

 

[mitiempo]

Adding fillers to polyester makes it more porous which is why better builders sometimes use clear unpigmented gelcoat underwater.
Epoxy paint is different than epoxy with pigment added and does not have the problem of quick deterioration from uv but darker colors will fade fairly quickly.

 

[ningcompoop]

I don't know about pigments, but I know you can add powdered graphite, copper and aluminium to West epoxy. Adding graphite produces a hard low-friction surface, sometimes used on dinghy bottoms, centreboards, and can be used to "caulk" teak decking as it is UV resisitant. Aluminium produces a hard and UV resistant surface. Copper - antifoul? All these seem a bit like overkill for the inside of a canoe. A straight epoxy coating would add protection, then you could overpaint with Dulux or whatever takes your fancy for UV protection.