[hillenme]

I've removed the teak and holly sole from my boat, stripped with a heat gun and sanded all sides and edges. I'm going to use a wood sealer and varnish on the teak veneer, but my question is what products would be good for sealing the bottom and edges. I wanted use 105 with the 207 special hardner, but my west marine is picked over as it's closing down and they didn't have 207. I bought some WM brand penetrating epoxy, but it was kind of expensive and even the largest size doesn't seem like anywhere enough to do the whole surface, it seems like the product may be more for touch up on rot. Any suggestions for a product that won't be real expensive to put an epoxy coat on the bottom and edges?

 

[capt jgwinks]

I get my epoxy from US Composites. Several different sizes and cure rates to choose from. Every bit as good as WEST System, but quite a bit cheaper. They have poly- and vinyl-ester resins and fiberglass fabrics as well.
uscomposites.com

Clear epoxy makes a good base for varnish. The coats of epoxy, top bottom and edges, allow to cure well then sand with 120 grit. Three coats of varnish over that and you're done. Encapsulated all the way around so no water intrusion, warping, peeling varnish, etc.

 

[JimsCAL]

If you coat the top with epoxy, be aware of "amine blush". If you don't remove it, you will have issues with the application of the varnish or poly applied afterwards. West Systems products are known to be particularly prone to blush while some others less so. Still a good idea to assume you have some as it may not be obvious.

 

[Skipper Jer]

Why not use polyurethane?

 

[hellosailor]

So take a leisurely drive up to Bay City, MI, and pick up a penetrant epoxy directly from Gougeon Bros. (West System) at their plant, if you don't want to mail order it from someone. Or there's Git-Rot, or CPES, pick the one you like the reviews best for.

The world does not end if a local store closes. I'm perennially baffled by how Amazon can sell and ship so many things for so much less than my local chain mercahnts, so many times. Not always--but most of the time.

And if you use Gougeon, UPS Ground still will get you overnight delivery.

Heck, ask all three companies if someone besides West stocks them locally. Could be waiting at the local lumberyard.

 

[sailingfool]

I did this project last year with MAS low viscosity epoxy http://www.masepoxies.com/2-to-1-non-blushing-lv-resin with the slow hardener and I found it excellent for this purpose. You have good control for pot life, it brushes on easily and really absorbs into wood. I found two coats adequate. I had a supply of the usual West 105 on the shelf, but I would not use that material for this application: too thick, sets up to fast...