? on varnish over epoxy

[almeyer]

I'm getting near the end of building a Penobscot 14. I'd like to paint the outside and finish the interior bright. The wood is sealed with two coats of Clear Coat from System 3. System 3 sells some paints compatible with their epoxy, but I'd rather purchase something locally rather than have to wait around on a mail order if I run low (just had that problem with epoxy). I remember another thread where household latex paint was used, and seemed to work well. Has anyone had any experience using varnish such as Epifanes, Z-Spar, or something similar over epoxy, and what surface preparation is necessary for the varnish to stick?
Thanks for your help.
Al

[George Roberts]

I use Z-Spar over epoxy.

I think you need to chant:

"Owa ta goo siam"

as you do the work.

[NormMessinger]

I have not used their clear coat but some oil based paint will not cure over System Three epoxy. System three recommends a test of every can to be sure it will. I've not had a problem with varnish curing over epoxy but a test seems to be in order. Otherwise the chant may definitely seem appropriate. This is said not to discourage you from your plan at all.

[Captain Pre-Capsize]

The answer to your question is that you need to sand the epoxy on the interior just like you sanded the epoxy on the exterior. That way the varnish will stick to the interior epoxy just like the paint will stick on the exterior.

On my Sanddollar I too finished the interior bright and I'm telling you it draws BDS (Boat Dock Spectators) like flies to manure.

"Is that a wooden boat?" "Yes."

"Did you build it?" "Yes."

And then the clincher, always uttered with just a hint of suspicion:
"Was it a kit boat or did you build it from scratch?" "Scratch."

"Wowwwww..."

As to the paint it turns out that ignorance was once again a blessing in my life. I bought Benny Moore oil base paint and put three coats on with no problem.

As to sanding. Scraping is much more pleasant, let me tell you. But buy some extra blades and keep 'em sharp.

Post some pics when you get a chance. We'd love to see them.

[ 03-14-2004, 07:43 PM: Message edited by: Captain Pre-Capsize ]

[JimConlin]

Have we been here before?

[Steve Lansdowne]

Sand the epoxy-coated wood down to 220 grit and then after vacuuming and using a tack rag, varnish. After a day to dry, again sand, vacuum, tack rag, and lay on another coat. This is how many cedar strip canoes and kayaks are finished.

[almeyer]

Thanks all for your advice.
George, I can get Z-Spar locally, for about the same cost as System 3's product. By the time I include shipping cost and the aggravating wait for the mail order to arrive, Z-Spar is sounding better and better. What does "owa ta goo siam" mean? I have no problem doing a little chant and dance (the wife will be amused), but want to know what I'm asking when invoking the gods blessing (or curse?)
Norm, your suggestion for a test is sound advice. So far the boat is turning out pretty decent; don't want to really botch it up now.
Cap'n, I'm already drawing BDS when I take my plywood pirogue out on the bayou. I'm hoping to save time in getting ready to sail by using an unstayed mast and standing lug rig, compared to the conventional marconi sloop rig on my plastic boat. But the time saved will likely be offset by the BDS folks. I'll try and get used to it. I'll also try posting some pics. I tried setting up an account with ImageStation a while back, but got bumfuggled in the process. No one's ever accused me of being computer savy.
Jim, I imagine a lot of folks have been here before. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them.
Steve, thanks for the advice and congrats on your imminent launching. I grew up in Austin, but left about 25 years ago. Back then Mopac was brand new, and only ran from 183 (suicide alley) to the north bank of Town Lake, but it was a Godsend. Jollyville Road was in the country. I understand both have changed.
Thanks again,
Al

[paul oman]

when I sailed Galveston Bay from out of Clear Lake, I sealed all my brightwork with epoxy and then covered with any brand of varnish I could find. Worked great - the combination is better than either one by itself.

Show of hands of anyone going to the Maine Boatbuilders show in Portland ME this weekend???

paul oman