Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Apr 20, 2003 04:06am | #1

   Clear epoxy is rapidly deteriorated by UV. It must be covered with an opaque finish. In addition, you should avoid a hard, brittle finish over a soft wood like pine. Dings will cause the finish to crack and craze which defeats the integrity of the finish.

   You have already used a product that claims indoor/outdoor properties. Why not just add a few more coats?

2. 
   RW | Apr 20, 2003 04:12am | #2

   I think the shellac on an outdoor project is an oops. Other options: marine varnish, deck coatings. On the epoxy, there are epoxys designed for outdoor use. WEST makes some that are used in that manner, and though started as boat builders stuff gets used more and more on homes with damaged window sills, etc. But don't put hard finish over soft, as was already stated. I think the shellac will give you a migrane after the first couple rainy days.

   "The child is grown / The dream is gone / And I have become / Comfortably numb "      lyrics by Roger Waters

1. 
   Robbie | Apr 22, 2003 12:00am | #3

   My experience has been a bit different

   Had a similar use on a marine application.  It was mahogany, which is a bit harder than pine.  I sanded as much as possible.  Then coat with West Systems epoxy.  If you have broad spans to cover, use a thin foam roller.  Scrub with soap and a scotchbrite pad in between coats to remove the blush.  Scuff sand and re-coat.  I wouldn't hesitate to use many multiple coats.  You'll find that a sufficiently heavy epoxy build-up (6+ coats) will take away some of the fragility of the pine.  Afterwords, wash, scuff sand, prime and paint (or Spar varnish). 

   My experience has been that if you drop a cinder block on it, it will dent or cut and you'll have to patch it.  It will resist most other modest to moderate trauma's, particularly blunt ones.