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Absolutely, epoxy takes other finish very well, as it is completely inert once its hardened. That looks great by the way. I have used spar varnish on top of epoxy for a boat before. I’ve also sprayed high gloss clear coat – if you have a hvlp spray gun, I recommend that over a can for better results.
What finish can you put over epoxy?
Both oil-based and water-based polyurethane can be applied over epoxy, although oil-based polyurethane may leave an amber hue (while water-based will be more clear). To ensure proper application, be sure that the epoxy has completely sealed/hardened, and sand first to allow for a mechanical bond.
Can you seal over epoxy?
Delicate objects that may be damaged by epoxy resin such as photographs, should be sealed with an alternate clear coat (i.e. polyurethane or acrylic sealers) to protect them prior to embedding. Once the seal coat has set, additional flood coats up to 1/8” thick may be applied.
How long should epoxy cure before clear coat?
What epoxy cure time can I expect? Epoxy cure time is typically seven days. Of course, there are variations, but if you want a rule of thumb, one week is your answer. While it takes seven days for epoxy to cure, your floor may be dry enough to walk on after 12 hours or so and ready for light use after 24 hours.
Does epoxy need sealer?
In order to prevent the peeling of the top of your new epoxy floor, you will need to seal it. Other reasons for sealing an epoxy floor include preventing color change and reducing slippage. Follow the tips below to seal your epoxy floor to make it safer and help it last longer.
Can you spray clear coat over resin?
Can an Epoxy Clear Coat be Applied Over a Layer of Epoxy? This type of coat works very well over existing layers of epoxy and offers a protective, glossy finish. Epoxy coatings are often used to finish off epoxy surfaces.
Can you put polyurethane over sticky epoxy?
We do not recommend putting the epoxy over water-based polyurethane. The epoxy could cause the water-based polyurethane to wrinkle or soften. Also, Epoxy does not stick very well to water-based polyurethanes and you could end up with fisheyes (epoxy pushing away from the surface).
Does epoxy resin need a top coat?
Yes. Since the epoxy has cured a chemical bond is not possible so what is called a mechanical bond is needed. This simply means that the cured epoxy has to be lightly sanded before the next coat is applied: the first coat should have a matt, almost white, surface.
What should I use to seal wood before epoxy?
Before applying epoxy, sand smooth non-porous surfaces—thoroughly abrade the surface. 80-grit aluminum oxide paper will provide a good texture for the epoxy to “key” into.
Do you need to seal wood before epoxy?
The Epoxy Resin sinks into the Wood For any porous surfaces such as wood, it is particularly important to seal the surface first. You do not need a separate product for this, rather you can simply apply a thin layer of resin to the wood and let it cure.
Can you put a second coat of epoxy on garage floor?
Only one coat of EpoxyShield is needed on most concrete floors. If a second coat is needed / desired, it can be applied once the initial coat has dried. For the best adhesion, apply the second coat within 4 days of the first coat.
Will epoxy set in cold weather?
Some resin/hardener combinations are formulated to cure in temperatures as low as 35°F. However, simply using a hardener that cures in colder temperatures does not guarantee dependable bonds. Epoxy can be used at cold temperatures but must be handled and applied with techniques adapted to cold temperatures.
How long should epoxy dry before sanding?
Tip: The epoxy resin must be really dry before sanding. You should therefore allow a waiting period of at least 48 hours before processing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as there are resins that take even longer to harden completely.
Which is better epoxy or sealer?
Epoxy floor coatings are chemically different than urethane coatings, but they are often used in tandem on concrete floors. Epoxy and urethane coatings tend to be more expensive than a simple concrete sealer, but they offer better protection.
Is epoxy primer a sealer?
Epoxy primer is a sealer that produces a good surface finish on applied top coats. A two-part epoxy primer contains zinc phosphate, which acts as a corrosion-inhibiting pigment. Epoxy primers can be used to waterproof materials that consequently protect the bare metal from oxidation.
How long does epoxy sealer last?
Epoxy and urethane systems last between 5-10 years, closer to 5 if the surface experiences heavy traffic. Reactive penetrating sealers are the longest lasting concrete sealers, wearing away only if the substrate surface itself wears away.
Can you spray clear coat over epoxy primer?
You will have a more durable finish if you top coat the epoxy with an opaque urethane. For what you intend to use the truck for I would just go ahead and shoot the clear. It will last years without any problems .
What is epoxy sealer?
Epoxy sealers form a high-build protective film on the concrete surface, producing a hard, long-wearing, abrasion-resistant finish. Epoxy sealers are much harder than acrylics. Water-based epoxies bond well to concrete and provide a clear finish, but they are nonporous and do not allow trapped moisture to escape.
Does tacky epoxy ever cure?
You cannot leave the sticky resin, as it will not harden after time, it will remain sticky. You will have to either throw your item away or fix the problem. In order to avoid the problem all together make sure to do the following: You must measure out your resin and hardener precisely.
Why is my epoxy not hardening?
If your epoxy resin hasn’t cured properly, this means that the chemical reaction between the resin and hardener was not able to take place. Sticky resin is typically caused by inaccurate measuring or under mixing. Try moving your piece to a warmer spot: if it doesn’t dry, re-pour with a fresh coat of resin.
