Epifanes clear varnish over penetrating epoxy
After completing a set of outdoor white oak dining chairs, I made the decision to finish them based upon the process outlined in FWW #179 Durable exterior finish. https://www.finewoodworking.com/membership/pdf/8810/011179042.pdf .
After applying my three coats of penetrating epoxy, I applied my first coat of epifanes within the time frame recommended by the article and the manufacturer of the epoxy. The first coat dried relatively quickly within 24hrs and I proceeded to my second coat of epifanes varnish. This second coat has now stayed tacky to the touch for almost three weeks. Epifanes customer service disputed the ability to apply a varnish of any kind over an epoxy that has not fully cured, and resulting blush removed. Suggested I try wiping tacky areas with Lacquer thinner/acetone. Smith and Co. manufacture of the epoxy provided me with the advice that the issue was a result of an insufficient amount of drier in the varnish , and advised to add a small amount of Japan drier to my third coat of varnish. Im a little unsure of how to proceed in either case. As a side note both manufacturers provided excellent customer service, and wouldn’t want the tone of this post to be taken as disparaging to either company. Both customer service reps advised that I was certainly not the first one to call with this issue. How would everyone else here proceed?
Replies
Strip epifanes and try another finish or perhaps another can of same finish. 3 weeks is long enough for most any finish to cure, even raw linseed oil. May want to strip down to epoxy and let that sit uncoated for awhile to make sure its "cured" too. Trying to do a patch job with lacquer sounds like chasing your tail..
You should be waiting longer between finish products. User #1 has it. Manufacturer has the right answer to get the varnish finish to dry. Thin coatings of vanish is better than thicker.
Varnish over epoxy is a proven weather resistant finish but I question the technique to coat non cured epoxy with spar varnish to create a chemical bond. I also question the dilution of varnish to the degree suggested especially after the surface has already received 3 coats of epoxy, I use this same varnish frequently and on bare wood I will dilute as recommended the first, sometimes the second coat and will go full concentration applying as thick as possible, just at the point before runs. Take a look at the Gougeon Brothers recommended technique for preparing the surface, they are good. https://www.westsystem.com/instruction-2/epoxy-basics/final-surface-prep/
Gulfstar, appreciate the link the process described for west system epoxy under varnish, matches the application process from most other manufacturers and website I have been reading up on. The folks at epifanes even recommended a similar process to me. Im just having a hard time wrapping my head around how with the exception of the FWW articles and the Smith and Co. epoxy they recommend, no other documentation can be found to apply varnish over uncured epoxy? I have the proof for me first hand the process is flawed as I am left with uncured varnish 3 weeks later. I am also not willing to except the idea offered by the epoxy manufacture that the varnish contained a lack of drier as my mix cup from three weeks ago filled to a depth of 1/4" of remaining varnish has completely dried.
I am with you, I have had these situations and only time has solved them. If you can live with the uncured finish it will eventually dry, direct sunlight has been my best friend, once cured you should be ok to add a few coats of varnish. Btw, when varnishing, transfer the approximate quantity of varnish from the can to a throw away recipient and put the lid back on, this will keep your varnish fresh and it will apply and dry faster.
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