hull #99 was finished with varnish over an epoxy sealer, the idea is that if
the maintenance is neglected and the varnish fails that the wood will not be
subject to weathering and turning black. has anyone tried this or know about
it? it sounds like a promising technique, but i suspect that if it did not
some significant disadvantages, that it would have taken the world by storm
already.
Free Web-based e-mail groups by eGroups.com
Varnish over epoxy is the method by which the majority of wood strip
canoes and kayaks are finished. I’ve done a lot of web surfing and
reading on this myself as I’m about to start construction of a wood
strip sea kayak. The theory is that epoxy needs protection from ultra
violet rays. Modern varnishes contain ultra violet inhibitors. The
finish looks beautiful on the boats that I’ve seen. The only caution
I’ve read about is that you need to make sure that the varnish you
choose is compatible with expoxy. I’d say that it’s a very promising
technique and something worth looking into.
Geary Smith
Free Web-based e-mail groups by eGroups.com
Using varnish over an epoxy sealer is a well-known technique in wooden boat finishing, offering enhanced durability and moisture resistance. The epoxy acts as a barrier, preventing water penetration, while the varnish provides UV protection and a polished finish. This method can indeed slow down wood weathering if the varnish fails, but maintenance is still essential since epoxy alone can degrade under UV exposure. The main drawback is that once the varnish starts breaking down, re-coating can be tricky because epoxy-sealed wood doesn’t absorb new varnish as well as untreated wood. It’s a solid approach, but like all finishes, regular upkeep is key to long-term success.
On the recommendation of a shipwright friend, I am refinishing my topsides bright work this winter using West System 105 resin with 207 hardener thinned with a little acetone as my epoxy sealer and then several coats of Pettit Flagship High Build varnish.
On the advice of Wayne Ettel of The Maritime Preservation Trust I use “Waterlox” varnish. I would use there sealer, or Smiths Clear Penetrating Epoxy under.
I redid the mast on my boat two years ago… still looks great.
a good read at Smiths - Instructions for varnishing with CPES
Lima.