Penetrating epoxy sealer...over kill?

Tom Wall

Tom Wall

Well-known member
I'm rebuilding a wood and cast iron bench. I am planning on using white oak. The plan for the bench is to be on a covered porch. It will get some weather exposure. I was thinking of using penetrating epoxy to seal the oak after staining and the multiple coats of spar varnish. Is the epoxy over kill?

Tom
 
Tom Wall said:
I'm rebuilding a wood and cast iron bench. I am planning on using white oak. The plan for the bench is to be on a covered porch. It will get some weather exposure. I was thinking of using penetrating epoxy to seal the oak after staining and the multiple coats of spar varnish. Is the epoxy over kill?

Tom
Click to expand...
YES! No need or benefit to top coating with epoxy. Save that for your boats and decoys.

The spar varnish will provide ample protection in any covered setting. Unlike epoxy, varnishes are like paint in that they allow water vapor to escape. And, they are formulated to be easily maintained. Every few years, just sand with 220 or even coarse steel wool, then brush on a new coat or two (after wiping with alcohol on a clean rag).

BTW: I repaired a similar bench last year. Slats were treated (SYP) deck boards. It lives outside with all of our wooden lawn furniture (Adirondack chairs, picnic table, etc). I like Cabot Solid Oil Stain - primarily because it is very easy to maintain. It is very soft - like most flat oil paints - so sands very quickly and easily to accept the maintenance coat every few years.

(As you can see, we do not water our lawns - and have been in severe drought since early July...

Lawn Bench 2.jpg

Hope this helps!

SJS
 
Tom Wall said:
I'm rebuilding a wood and cast iron bench. I am planning on using white oak. The plan for the bench is to be on a covered porch. It will get some weather exposure. I was thinking of using penetrating epoxy to seal the oak after staining and the multiple coats of spar varnish. Is the epoxy over kill?

Tom
Click to expand...
Tom, Absolutely NOT overkill. In fact using a penetrating epoxy; say two to three coats, will allow your spar varnish to last much longer before peeling. I did the same thing after refinishing my spear house door. Epoxy acts like a primer whether you are using latex paint or varnish. Just be sure to let it cure/outgas thoroughly and scuff before varnishing.RM
image.jpg
 
Last edited:
RM and Tom~

My apparent opposite response was based on the order of the coatings. As I read it, the sequence would be: stain - spar varnish - epoxy.

I was going to hold forth on using the epoxy under the varnish - as is done on many boats and other out-in-the-weather objects. So: stain - epoxy - varnish. But, I kept silent because I was responding to the above sequence. Perhaps I misconstrued. Nevertheless, a varnish with good UV protection can give longer life to the underlying epoxy.

So, I'm thinking that - once again - RM and I are on the same wavelength.

Tom: Apply the penetrating epoxy after the stain - but before the varnish. To get a full cure with epoxy, I have found that strong sunlight is hard to beat - especially if exposed not when applied but once the epoxy feels "mostly" cured.

All the best,

SJS
 
Steve and RM,

Thanks for responses. After rereading my post I can see how it was confusing about the order of products. The order would be stain, epoxy, varnish. Any brand preferences on the epoxy? I am leaning towards the Total Boat.
 
Tom,
System Three S1 Penetrating Epoxy is what I have used. Get a respiratory or do it outdoors. It is a great product that I have used often. RM
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top