using automotive clear coat over epoxy resin deck

[Tom Smyth]

I have heard that people are using automotive clear coat on top of epoxy coated wood for UV protection. anyone done this and can offer some guidance?

Thanks

[LakeFever]

Pretty common to use auto paint on boats above the waterline. So long as you prime with something suitable your good to go. I used duratec vinylester primer first, then color match urethane 2k, then base/clear. Looks great

[Tom Smyth]

I will be putting the clear directly onto a clear epoxy finish on wood. Can’t use a primer

[LakeFever]

Good clear adheres well. How long it stays stuck is anyones guess. Id sand the epoxy down to 500 grit dry. I like hand sanding and das. Be sure to use interference pads for hand sanding. Also take great care to degrease before sanding and especially before laying the clear down as well. You want as clean a surface as you can so it doesnt fisheye. Use a good quality water absorbing inline air filter right at the gun. A new one each time you spray and its also wise to use a water separator where your airline hooks up. Loop the airline over your shoulder when spraying so you dont dip it in the work. As for over the epoxy you should be ok. Id try it if that makes you feel any better. If your nervous you can epoxy a test panel and clear it and see how it turns out but it will most likely be just fine

[FUJIMO]

...tom...not saying to use this on this job or anything, but they came out with this great catalyzed clear coat in an aerosol of all things. its called spraymax 2k(two part). its roughly 30 bucks a can shipped. just mentioning it for yourself for future projects that you might not want to mix up yourself. its available in clear gloss, matt gloss, satin gloss, etc. not in any colors. great for spraying a fender after color, etc. i just refurbished & sprayed a set of 17'' aluminum wheels & they turned out excellent. you want to just spray one panel on a future boat, it would work great for something like that. no mess, no fuss. as mentioned, and you know, prep is everything. just thought i'd throw it out there...

[1954bmw]

Mr. Fujimo, I have seen this used on motorcycles and helmets and was just wondering, how do you mix the catalyst, is it seperate in the can???

[FUJIMO]

...check out the youtube video's. in a small section in the bottom of the can is a separate catalyst compartment. in the bottom of the can is a pressure needle that when pushed in, punctures & releases that compartments catalyst content into the rest of the can. you shake the can to mix the two components for about two minutes & then just start spraying. the mix can be used for many hours afterwards too. i think it was up to 24 hours, so you do not have to shoot the whole can at one time. excellent fan pattern on the spray nozzle too. there is a red plastic button on top of the can that comes right off, and then you use that to push in the needle on the bottom of the can. excellent product. think it comes from a german company...

[FUJIMO]

[WaterZebra]

At $30 a can you might as well use Imron clear? Perfect for small jobs though.

[Jamessmith0901]

To protect epoxy coated wood from UV rays, some people use automotive clear coat. Just pick the right kind and apply thin coats evenly. Wait for it to dry before adding more, and sand and polish it smooth when done. It might need a touch-up in the future, and you should use protective gear and do it in a well-ventilated area.