"jleiby" writes:
I am building a S&G kayak and I am finding that as I build up layers of
epoxy the finish tends to 'orange peel' and requires a lot of sanding to
get
it smooth. The first coats of epoxy went on flat.

Any help would be appreciated.

The following is offered on a SFWIW basis, but it has allowed be to build a
55 ft boat using nothing but knitted glass, epoxy and foam.

1) Sand between every coat, regardless of how long it has been since the
previous coat of resin was laid. (I go thru a lot of 16 & 24 grit discs.
Epoxy eats sanding discs alive & a good right angle sander is your friend.)

2) Don't waste time and money trying to clean chip brushes. (I buy 2" chip
brushes of less than $0.25 each, so there is no incentive to clean them.)

3) Invest in a stainless steel Jiffy Mixer and a low cost drill motor to
power it. This simple tool will insure adequate mixing.

If you are not familiar with it, "Jiffy Mixer" is a trade name for a mixer
built in Riverside County, Ca.

Great gadget.

NOTE:

When the mixer gets full of cured epoxy, simply burn it clean with a propane
torch and start over. (Nice thing about S/S, it can handle heat.

The above has gotten me this far in my project, you may also find it
helpful.


--
Lew

S/A: Challenge, The Bullet Proof Boat, (Under Construction in the Southland)
Visit: http://home.earthlink.net/~lewhodgett for Pictures

Lew Hodgett wrote:

"jleiby" writes:
I am building a S&G kayak and I am finding that as I build up layers of
epoxy the finish tends to 'orange peel' and requires a lot of sanding to
get
it smooth. The first coats of epoxy went on flat.

Any help would be appreciated.


-------------

I see everyone as already given you lots of useful advise, about recoat windows,
etc. However, I am pretty sure they're off the mark here as far as your
problem.

You didn't say what brand or kind of epoxy you are using. Some have surface
tension issues and will 'pull away' - bead up etc. on smooth surfaces, such as
over itself. I have just such an epoxy like that in my product line - great for
poured table tops but don't brush it on over itself!


So, suggest you try a different epoxy.....


paul oman

progressive epoxy polymers
www.epoxyproducts.com/marine.html

Paul,

It sounded to me like he was using the same epoxy on all coats and 2 coats
had already gone on fine. It's not an epoxy system issue and there's no
need to change, no need for a sales pitch. If he's using the same stuff and
coated within 2 days like always, it should've gone on fine just like the
other coats already did. I'd bet your paycheck that he's managed to get a
contaminant on the boat instead.

Brian D

--
http://www.advantagecomposites.com/tongass -- My 22' Tolman Skiff project



..
"Paul Oman" wrote in message
...
Lew Hodgett wrote:

"jleiby" writes:
I am building a S&G kayak and I am finding that as I build up layers
of
epoxy the finish tends to 'orange peel' and requires a lot of sanding
to
get
it smooth. The first coats of epoxy went on flat.

Any help would be appreciated.


-------------

I see everyone as already given you lots of useful advise, about recoat
windows,
etc. However, I am pretty sure they're off the mark here as far as your
problem.

You didn't say what brand or kind of epoxy you are using. Some have
surface
tension issues and will 'pull away' - bead up etc. on smooth surfaces,
such as
over itself. I have just such an epoxy like that in my product line -
great for
poured table tops but don't brush it on over itself!


So, suggest you try a different epoxy.....


paul oman

progressive epoxy polymers
www.epoxyproducts.com/marine.html