Basic Surface Coating Question

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#1

I bought some West Systems 105 Resin with the 207 Hardner.

http://www.westsystem.com/webpages/epoxyworks/18/product_207804.html

The objective is to mix this 105/207 resin for the outside surface coat for the ski board I’m making. The idea is to help give the board some UV protection with the 207 resin.

So far, I have not worried at all on getting a nice finish on my parts…I’ve just pulled them from the mold and started trimming. So the finished board will be the first surface coating I do and I’d like to make sure it doesn’t look really nasty.

After mixing this resin, do I just simply brush a thin layer onto the board? Will I need to worry about runs or brush lines? Does it level itself out pretty good? I doubt you can spray it…

The only other surface coating I’ve done is to spray Duratec Primer on a plug and brush on the Fibreglast surface coat to build my molds.

Thanks.

#2

http://www.duratec1.com/dp06.html

#3

Dan -

The Duratec topcoat info doesn’t mention any UV prtection properties. Does it protect an epoxy based laminate?

#4

Ok, I have the Duratec Grey Surfacing Primier, and I was able to spray it on with good success.

I’m assuming this Duratec Clear Coat is sprayable also and is the best way to get a good finish.

Also, I think I have seen UV protectant additive for epoxy. Could I use some UV additave to the Duratec Clear coat?

So is this how you guys get the carbon parts to look so Pro after removing them from the mold?

Thanks.

#5

duratec has no UV inhibitors

#6

The resin I use has uv resistance. The topcoat much like a clearcoat on a car but thicker does not fade.

#7

Ok, I have the Duratec Grey Surfacing Primier, and I was able to spray it on with good success.

I’m assuming this Duratec Clear Coat is sprayable also and is the best way to get a good finish.

Also, I think I have seen UV protectant additive for epoxy. Could I use some UV additave to the Duratec Clear coat?

So is this how you guys get the carbon parts to look so Pro after removing them from the mold?

Thanks.[/quote]

You will have the same experience spraying the topcoat as you had spraying the primer. They are just about the same viscosity.

I would email duratec and ask before adding anything to it. Remember the topcoat is polyester.

on parts that require a clear finish I was using silmar249 resin, clear gelcoat mixed 50/50 with duratec hi gloss additive then finished with duratec topcoat.

#8

:smiley:

#9

HI
I am using west here in the uk with the 207 hardner and it will not give you long term uv protection i give my work here some coats of clear coat (lacquer) to finish it off. As for applying the west try a thin foam roller giving it 3 to 4 coats. Also i cut down one of the rollers into 8 bits and use it like a foam brush to remove marks/blemeshes.You will have to sand it down before you lacquer to get that smooth finish.

#10

I think the UV protection issue is overkill sometimes. Epoxy will fade a little, but it’s not going to completely turn to some ugly shade of yellow or anything. If you’re doing wet layup with polyester resin, then yes you’ll want to keep that thing from fading. The thing about vacuum bagging is your surface finish is so thin that you’ll never really notice the fading. This is more apparent when you have too much clear coat on your part.

anyway, off my soap box now. Back to the topic which I think has been covered pretty well by our members here.