What is the best, ,clear , wood protector?

[12Footer]

I am about halfway thru with the replacemet panels and bolsters for "Project Cobra", and want to sand and coat it all with a durable, clear deep coating. I've seen some old 6ft wire spools turend-into beutifull dinner tables at a resturaunt. It was some type of resin laminate that was so thick, they had shells and coins in it! Does anyone know what this product is, how much it costs, and how durable it is? Could it hold-up well in an outdoor,in-weather environment?

 

[flashback]

Re: What is the best, ,clear , wood protector?

hey 12footer, I know what your talking about, i have coated a few cypress stump tables with epoxy that is a 1 to 1 ratio (1 part hardner and 1 part resin) this stuff works great if it is not in the sun light. but as a rule, epoxy does not do well in sunlight unless it has a sun bloc added to it. the best luck I have had with wood trim such as grab rails, toe rails ,etc, has been to remove the wood and coat it with several coats of epoxy fortified with sun bloc.. (available from west systems) then coat that with a good spar varnish.. its a lot of work but it is easy to maintain if you re-coat the varnish a couple of times a year.............

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: What is the best, ,clear , wood protector?

There used to be a thick waterproof varnish called 'fifty coats', but I don't remember who made it. Pretty vague lead, I know.<br /><br />I really like spar urethane but never tried building it up too much.

 

[12Footer]

Re: What is the best, ,clear , wood protector?

Thanks guys. I guess I'll try the multiple-coats method, and steer-away from the "casting resin" (finally learned what they call it).<br />It sure is gorgeous on natural wood tho! I plan on trimming the bolster work with 1/8" hemp rope, and was kickin-around the idea of covering the entire thing with the resin. <br />I'll do the spar varnish route instead.<br />When I get closer to completion, I'll post pictoral thread to show how it went.

 

[crab bait]

Re: What is the best, ,clear , wood protector?

you still could use the 'casting resin',, but must apply at least 3 coats of marine varish ..as for a 'sun-bloc'... <br /><br />keep in mind ,, that varish is what they call 'sacrifacial'.. every coat after the second coat ,, will only last one year.. <br /><br />so the more coats now applied,, the more years it'll sun protect...<br /><br />if you use a varish,, go with epphiphannes brand .. it's the best... <br /><br />just pick up the can .. pick up that brand an another...compare.. epps is alot heavier.. more stuff,, more soilds..<br />good stuff..

 

[12Footer]

Re: What is the best, ,clear , wood protector?

Crab Bait, Just want to make sure I understand-- The casting resin is appied first, then the varnish to block?

 

[crab bait]

Re: What is the best, ,clear , wood protector?

yes... scuff sand the castin' resin ..i'd even wash down with 50/50 ammonia/water mix.. that'll clean any 'wax' ...<br /><br />then apply the varish.. eppaphannes brand is hands down the best.. west marine carries it..<br /><br />good luck.. in 3 1/2 months.. you'll have time enuff to apply 200 coats..