What is the secret to getting a clear finish?

I am looking to apply 4 oz. glass to the exterior of my 16' drift boat with West System 105/207. How do I receive a clear finish so I can show off the wood hull?

Thanks for any input.

John

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Permalink Reply by Terry E Walsh on June 3, 2014 at 8:50pm
Thin coats of epoxy with a roller, a lot of sanding in between each coat and then varnish should get ya covered!
Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on June 3, 2014 at 9:21pm

Check out the search function at the top of the page. Search for "varnish." There lots of posts on choices of varnish, applying varnish, sanding varnish, thinning varnish, choosing brushes, drying times, etc.

Rick N

Permalink Reply by craig curtis on June 3, 2014 at 11:20pm

I used the 4oz fiberglass with about 5 coats of epoxy, lost count. I then finished with three coats of epifhanes varnish, note use their thinner and work small areas quickly.

Permalink Reply by Gopher Dan on June 4, 2014 at 9:22am

Here are my thoughts - 1) is the glass really needed for the sides?, 2) if you are using 207 and glassing the bottom - who is going to see it?

As to the 105/207 - I just got done using it on the sides of my boat for a clear finish.  I applied it to the sides before they were installed - so I could do it on a level surface for the first 3 coats.  That helped keep out runs

  1. I would recommend using a roller for epoxy - a special type like the West System roller that is designed for epoxy that is a hard roller that spreads the material properly to keep coat depth consistent.  Home Depot has a similar roller brush for adhesives and epoxy for a couple of bucks that I also used and it worked just fine but had a little lint in it.
  2. Tip off with a brush or foam brush after rolling to eliminate the little peaks - do it immediately while the epoxy is still viscous. 
  3. Work indoors at about 70ºF - try to minimize dust and moving air.
  4. The West System 207 is very easy to work with in my opinion - be sure to use the pumps - they are easy to use and fool proof and worth every penny.
  5. I would recommend wet sanding in between coats of epoxy - it keeps dust down and is just easier.  Use a soft longboard sanding strip with around 80 grit in between coats
  6. Use 3-4 coats if you are sanding and can afford it.  If you are wetting out glass you will need that many but I haven't wetted out glass before.
  7. You will need a little more epoxy than you think you will.
  8. I used Z Spar 2015 Flagship Marine Spar Varnish - I can't say it was the most awesome product I have ever used, but I hear it is better than Epifane's as I have heard many people express frustration with Epifanes not curing.  I had a few spots on rails where the varnish didn't cure but on the big large flat areas it seemed to work fine.  Again - you will need more than you think - I used about 2 quarts on the sides and rails.


Good luck ~ Dan

Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on June 4, 2014 at 12:24pm

Another thought, what wood is your boat made of? Douglas Fir will check, that is dry out unevenly causing small gaps in the surface unless it is fiberglassed. Epoxy needs to be protected from ultraviolet rays or it will soon deteriorate, depending on the amount exposure to the sun. Maybe weeks or years. Where do you live, how do you store the boat, etc. There are many schools of thought on how to apply varnish, do you thin it for the first coat(s), what grit paper should you sand it with, how long should it dry, what kind of brush is best, which varnish is best, and much more. The subject has had at least one book written about it and can evoke long discussions, some of which are found on woodenboatforum.com.

Rick Newman

PS. The second side of varnish is the frequency of reapplication of varnish. It also ages in the sun and breaks down. In Florida and other tropical waters sailboaters are often continually reapplying varnish. They start at one end of the boat and by the time they get to the other end of a big boat they start over at the first end. There are lots of claims as to which of any varnish has the best UV resistance. Varnishing a wooden boat is a labor of love, you really have to want to have it nice and shiny. You might also consider oiling or something similar to the inside of your boat. You can read some of my and other folks previous posts on the merits of different finishes and the luck they have had with them.

Permalink Reply by tungsten on June 5, 2014 at 5:29am

For best results start with tipping your boat so your sides are flat,do one at atime.Watch out for blush with West goo so wash between coats.

I've had some sucsess with the mylar film but it takes a little practice.Wet the wood with goo let cure, sand, wet again laydown glass wet that out then when its green wet again and laydown the mylar.Get it right and it will look awesome,if not you wet again let cure and start the wet sanding.

Permalink Reply by Frank R on June 9, 2014 at 9:14am

If you are really crazy and have the patience, and the wood on your boat deserves it:

http://duckworksmagazine.com/03/r/articles/glass/bottom.htm

Permalink Reply by Mike Baker on June 9, 2014 at 4:14pm

Hey John,

Here is one of the best articles I have seen written on the subject. This is more or less the practice I use.

http://www.laughingloon.com/epoxy.html

Mike

Permalink Reply by John Ahlbin on June 10, 2014 at 11:53am

I wish I had read this before I started glassing. I did get a good wet out but the runs and and micro bubbles needed much sanding. With my new education I feel good that I will get the clear look I am after.

Thank you everyone

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