2 part epoxy

[kmthor]

Hi guys
im looking for a product to finish a table top something like glaze clear or liquid glass. this is my first project since returning to the country and im finding it really hard to source good products.

any advise were i can get a good epoxy finish?

 

[Phil Pascoe]

West System Epoxy - CFS Fibreglass Supplies is worth a look. (I only looked at CFS because they are half a mile from me, but their site seems comprehensive and they've been in business for decades )
Have you considered Rustin's Plastic coating? It's an acid cat. laquer that will polish like glass or a matt or satin as you wish. It might be easier to use - I don't know, I've not used epoxy.

 

[ED65]

I know you're asking after epoxy specifically but is there a reason that you need/think you need epoxy instead of something like varnish or lacquer?

 

[kmthor]

No im open to anything. iv used polyurethane and lacquerers before, The epoxy coats like glaze do give a high build finish equivalents to 70 coats of varnish in on application which is nice its really the look im after.

what would you suggest in the varnish or lacquer range in the UK ?

 

[London-Guy]

How are you looking to apply the finish brush or spraying ? If spraying I would just go with a good sanding sealer followed by a 2K high solid clear coat

 

[Alexam]

Tru-oil is good, as used for gun stocks. Put on liberally and wip off. 2 or 3 coats will give a superb finish, but well sanded first and high grit light sanding between coats.

As this or this

 

[Spindle]

Hi

For a relatively quick and glass like finish I'd use epoxy - plenty of info on the web, e.g.:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQrRVUarzPc

Regards Mick

 

[ED65]

The epoxy coats like glaze do give a high build finish equivalents to 70 coats of varnish in on application

Yes that's the sales line. If you want that thick, plastic-coated look then epoxy is the way to go.

But if it's just the wet-look gloss you're really after, that can be achieved with regular varnish. Takes longer but cost is a lot less, and after some years if you need to do any repair or refinishing you won't regret not going with epoxy.

 

[kmthor]

thanks for your help guys

ED65
What varnish do you use?

Hi Spindle
its more the product selection in the UK or lack of. Can you Recommend one that is available here

 

[ED65]

I've used many different varnishes over the years. What I have currently includes some cheap 151 stuff where they don't specify the type of varnish on the tin. I can't tell for sure from the smell but I think it's a poly rather than the basic alkyd varnish. It doesn't half honk! But I can't fault the results.

Like I say above if you want that particular look that an epoxy coating gives then epoxy is the thing to use. One of the ones that I first read the "One thick coat equals up to 50 coats of varnish." bit is EnviroTex Lite.

Have you heard of Rustin's Plastic Coating? That's another possibility and the price on Amazon seems a lot more competitive, but it's not a simple pour-on product. Link to 1l pack here. I was reading this thread on that here over Christmas:
avoiding-brush-marks-in-rustins-plastic-coating-how-t94088.html