Epoxy Varnish

[CampDavid]

I am considering refinishing the teak toe caps on a Beneteau by coating them first with two or three coats of epoxy and then vanishing.

Any thoughts ?

[IdoraKeeper]

One coat of epoxy will be enough. Allow 4 or 5 days to set up. The key is to allow the epoxy to finish gassing out. Then sand thoroughly with 220 grit. Wet sanding works best. Then apply the top coating of your choice. It must however be UV blocking or the epoxy filler will fail rapidly. The entire idea is to provide a substrate for the top finish that will reduce millage loss when re finishing is necessary. Many coats of top finish are not required and will not extend the life of the coating.. Just make more work to remove when failure occurs.

[Cheechako]

I've heard it works well. But be aware, if you mess up even once and dont get revarnished in time, the epoxy gets exposed to UV, bubbles up and makes an impossible mess to restart. So if you must keep up with the varnish to avoid this, what's the point of the epoxy?

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by IdoraKeeper

One coat of epoxy will be enough...

No, one coat is insufficient to form a complete vapor barrier.

[IdoraKeeper]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I've heard it works well. But be aware, if you mess up even once and dont get revarnished in time, the epoxy gets exposed to UV, bubbles up and makes an impossible mess to restart. So if you must keep up with the varnish to avoid this, what's the point of the epoxy?

This is true... So don't mess up. Also there will certainly be variations in technique required based on geographic location. I don't see many intact varnish jobs when I look at the mooring field in San Diego... Serious UV damage.:

[randomrun]

I strongly suggest Awlgrip Awlwood. Easier to apply and lasts much longer.