Replies

1. 
   AntzyClancy | Jun 14, 2006 05:34pm | #1

   Epoxy.  Its widely used for boats, and bars.

   http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=293-001

   Todd

2. 
   zombeerose | Jun 14, 2006 09:12pm | #2

   Hi Eric,
   I am currently building a 12' bar shelf and am using a pourable epoxy finish. The name is Glaze Coat (http://www.eclecticproducts.com/GlazeCoat.htm). Overall, not too hard. Being in Phoenix, the temp is always around 100 degrees so you have to work faster because it doesn't have the normal time frame of 20 mins.

   I'll try to post pics when I'm finally done.

   "100 Years" -- scribbled on the wall by a woodworker to remind him to do his best and as a warranty on his work -- "If anything I make fails in the first hundred years, bring it back, and I'll take care of it. After that, there will be a small charge. (Original purchaser only)"

3. 
   SteveSchoene | Jun 16, 2006 02:03am | #3

   I'll stick with the Behlen Rockhard that I suggested down in the finishing section.  It will look a lot more like furniture than any of the 50-coats in one stuff and still be quite durable.  Otherwise, in my opinion, you are wasting the veneer.  

   For that matter, you can refinish the varnish if need be, something not possible with the alternatives.  When they get scratched and cloudy or turn yellow you are pretty much stuck until you make a new top. 

   By the way, epoxy would need to be in a dark bar, it doesn't hold up well in UV light.  For exterior use, it MUST be overcoated by UV protecting varnish.    

4. 
   Little_Joe | Jun 17, 2006 06:29am | #4

   Eric,

   Take a look here... down a ways to Epoxy... (real COOL)
   http://woodworkstuff.net/woodidxfin.html

   Hope it works for you,
   Joe

1. 
   EricAnderson | Jun 17, 2006 02:36pm | #5

   Thanks for the link, Joe.  My son probably will like this.  I am not so sure.  The downsides mentioned do concern me.  I can just see me running around like a nut to get the air bubbles out.  I do have some vacuum pumps, so I can pre-evacuate the mix.  The mention of releasing from the surface it is poured on really concerns me.  I think someone else mentioned that.  I think that might be unrecoverable since I can't imagine a way to repair this as you might another finish.

   Since our wood has a beauty that would stand on its own, a more conventional finish would be my choice.  Well, we will see what my son wants to do.

1. 
   Little_Joe | Jun 17, 2006 07:37pm | #6

   Eric,You would have to be very careful in mixing (don't shake), etc. to keep air bubbles down... It would be hard to refinish (I think)... and the edge needs special attention... Perhaps doing a test would be a good idea?? You know, whenever I do something like this, I like to do a test... but what do I "Test" with? Which leads me into another small project like a small storage box or something... So think of something and test it out before deciding on the Big finish.There are some other methods of finishing on the same link I gave you... perhaps one of those would be better for you...Whatever, have fun and let us know what you ended up with... OK?Joe