polyurethane over epoxy

[eastern270]

I'm coming up to a point soon on finishing my millcreek 13 kayak and wpould like the top decking to have a natural finish. I was going to put one coat of S3 epoxy and a couple coats of clear uv polyurethane. Any suggestions for brands to use and are there any that are not compatible with S3 epoxy.
Thanks

[Steve Miller]

When I built my Mill Creek from CLC plans I read various comments on glass or no glass on the deck. Decided that glass was better for durability and toughness for a boat to be used by my kids, friends and others. The biggest reason for glass is re-inforcing the deck for hatches and covering the deck edges that will be bashed and dinged by the paddle. A bright finish will look super over epoxy and glass.

While glass is prefered you can certainly skip it and go with epoxy and varnish only but I'd do three coats of epoxy, sanding after the first 2.

One coat of resin is not enough (my opinion). The first coat will just soak into the wood. It will not soak in and seal evenly. Over bare wood I like to do two coats, sand, then apply a third coat. Sanding will remove a lot of the second coat before the hull is smooth due to the uneven way the wood will absorb the goo. The third coat will be a good base for varnish with a light sanding.

Think of it this way: 1st coat soaks into the wood. 2nd coat evens out the first since the wood will absorb unevenly. Sanding smooths it all out. Go to 220 minimum. 3rd coat puts an even seal on the hull since sanding is likely to expose some wood grain.

Then add 6 coats or so of varnish.

But I do recommend the glass on the deck. Here is my boat with the deck glassed. Used 6oz since I had it. No issues with the glass showing. I would use 4oz if I had to go buy it.

http://www.hevanet.com/kg7pv/Millcreek2/image21.jpg

http://www.hevanet.com/kg7pv/Millcreek2/image22.jpg

[Steve Miller]

If you want to use a poly and not varnish then buy the System 3 stuff. No issues that way.

[paul oman]

There are a number of aliphatic 2 part clear urethanes available (either polyester polyuethanes or acrylic polyurethanes). You'll find UV blockers is these produdts are the exception rather than the rule. I know of only a few exceptions, auto clearcoat being one of them.

On the other hand, vanish works very well and provides a warmth and richness not found in poly coats.

paul oman
progressive epoxy polymers
www.epoxyproducts.com/marine.html (http://www.epoxyproducts.com/marine.html)