wrote:
Hi,

I build Water Wheels and sell them. However, I am no expert at using
epoxy and various protective finishers & Sealers for Wood. I use 3/4
inch Marine Plywood for my 4ft Water Wheel (with 12mm Marine Ply used
for Water buckets) and 1/2 inch for my 3ft and 2ft WaterWheels (with
9mm Marine Ply used for the Water Buckets). Can anyone recommend some
products to use to seal & finish my Water Wheels decoratively and I
would be most greatful if you could provide a good method of
application. Currently, I just sand the wood, apply the paint undercoat
and whatever color paint onto that and finally applying the epoxy to
seal it.

Any suggestions or ideas welcome. For reference, please see
www.irishwaterwheels.com.

Thanks in advance.


Um, you've kind of got it backwards. If nothing else, the epoxy should
go against the bare wood, then primer, then finish coat/color.

The epoxy/wood bond is far stronger than a primer/wood bond, so you are
doing a disservice to your self and clients in the order you describe.

In addition, unless you take certain, definite precautions with admixes,
epoxy in direct sunlight with shortly discolor, unless you happened to
buy one with UV protection in it (if such a beast exists)

good luck,

Jonathan