I am using the RR epoxy resin and love working with it. The end result is a very shinny board. The problem is that, although I clean the heck out of my shaping room, I am not 100% dust free so therefore some small particles get on the final coat. I have wet sanded the spots (to 1000 grit) and applied polishing compound after. I do not seem to be able to get that same shine, is ther a trick to this or should I apply more elbow greese. I am on my 4th board and I am enjoying the ride. Thanks in advance for all those of you that so unselfishly provide guiding lights at the end of the tunnel.
I’m new to this site but have been boatbuilding in epoxy for a few years. I’m not familiar with the epoxy you’re using but would offer the following pointers.
Most epoxies benefit from a post cure heat cycle, even the room temp curing ones. I have tried polishing epoxy like you when it has cured at room temp and achieved OK results. The same epoxy after post curing polished better (it had become slightly harder, stronger, stiffer).
The best results I’ve had with epoxy resulted when I did a room temp cure, thorough but light sand and then 2 coats of 2 pack polyurathane varnish…
Any help?
Hey Surer-10,
I have several R.R. epoxy boards. Polyester avails itself of a deep gloss and polish that is unequaled by anything else I’ve seen. I considered using a finish coat on my boards but it seemed like it would be too much work and not be cost effective.
The option I have choosen is (a.) wet sand to 1200
(b.) polish out like it was a polyboard but go at it very lightly just to get it nice and smooth and all the small scratches out (c.)use a high grade auto wax and put a couple of coats on the board.
Granted it won’t match up to a Copperfish or Junod polyester gloss and polish job (What does?) but it’ll still be pretty damn shiney and the water will bead off it really well. The process will sure seal the board up nice too. If you want the gloss look with epoxy consider this method as an option. I think you’ll be quite pleased with the result you get for the effort you put into it. If you do choose it when it comes time to do a little ding repair the whole repair process will be simplified.
Gone Fishin’, Rich