Wood Interior Panels - Epoxy
 

Hi All,

Has anyone used West System epoxy in place of varnish on the wood interior panels. West has a special coating hardner that is clear when dry. The sun on my 560SL's panels has cracked the finish and I am curious what type of finish would be best if i choose to re-do. It seems that standard varnish (marine or otherwise) would not give me an original look.

Thanks.

John

Minwax Helmsman Spar Varnish
 

No Matter What you elect to use for a "TopCoat"/"ClearCoat" ,you will have to
restain the veneer the proper color.

This is what you want.

Read the attributes (Flexibility,UV Protection,Etc.)

I think the west system (without the glass of course) epoxy would look great and be extremly durable. Application is going to be the trick to avoid multiple sanding and coats.(hand sanding epoxy sucks;)

Personally I love the West System for exterior repairs on my house. It is the only material that I have found that meets my criteria for exterior wood patches--as long as there is paint over it.

One thing I would be careful on using it as a topcoat on wood panels is that is made out of bisphenol A epoxy and a phenolic resin. Bisphenol A has incredible durabilty in all cases except for one--exposure to sunlight. The same monomer is used in e-coat, and it is the major reason the material has no exterior durability. (see my posts on that if you wish).

Phenolics do have great durability on wood, but they tend to darken with age.

Normally I do not like urethanes on wood, but a 2k high end yacht varnish like ProLine may work the best for appearance and durability.

There may be some easier to use materials. Check around for some of these.