coming down the home stretch on my build. glass is done, paint is done, rest of the hull has two coats of west epoxy w/ special clear hardener. started applying epiphanes varnish last week. first coat thinned to 60/40. second 25% thinner, prepped for third. w/ the 2 coats of epoxy i had a nice flat buildup to start, how many coats would you guys suggest of the epiphanes? will probably thin third coat 10-15%. ive gone a bit crazy using it in the past (4-6 coats) but hadnt used epoxy base before.
once varnish is on, time for the water test and then to figure out seat/oarlock placement, as well as other jewelry...
one pic attached, scuffed w/ 220 grit...
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Justin, If I remember correctly you are located in Forida. So the possibility of high UV exposure would dictate that the greater the depth of the varnish the greater the UV protection. So the basic thought I come up with the greater the finished thickness of varnish the longer the protection. On the WoodenBoat Forum there are probably more Floridian boat owners than here. Perhaps a venture to that sight would be helpful. http://forum.woodenboat.com/
Your build is looking good, I was wondering how it was coming along.
Rick Newman
If you are applying varnish over epoxy coated wood you probably do not need to thin the first and second coats 40/60, and then 255. The thinned early coats is to penetrate into, and seal, the wood. You have already sealed the wood with epoxy.
You will need to thin the subsequent coats enough to get the varnish to flow to your satisfaction. Drips and runs are the bain of varnish. At this point the function of the varnish is to provide UV protection to the epoxy, and a nice shinny surface. At least 4 coats, and plan on reapplying each year.
thanks guys. rick, im in south carolina (w/ very strong sun). the boat is going to be living in connecticut though (less strong sun). it is a gift for my fathers 60th birthday. boat will surely be stored inside, he has plentiful storage up there. i just hope it gets used. he has been known to baby his toys in the past...
eric, i hate the drips too, and wish i had known about the thinning prior to start. got the third coat on a little while ago. will try to get one more 5% coat on over the weekend then get ready for seat building.
my boat is not as wide (read:stable) as some of yours, so i think the seat should be low to keep the center of gravity down. will probably go w/ one seat right around the middle of the boat, w/ the intention of rowing facing the stern. any thoughts. will get her in the water before going to far on seat, but dont want to drill multiple holes for oarlocks and whatnot. thinking simple canoe bench style seat w/ black marine webbing, which will be the only thing i sub out on this build, he can always put a crazy creek chair onto it.
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