Thread: Epoxy resin finish, the how to

I use a bench grinder to knock them down and then finish it with a dremmil and sanding drum.

I am making a set with birds eye maple. I was going to finish it with some type of oil. I am pretty sure of the answer but, will the epoxy finish stick to the wood after being finished with an oil? If not, are there any suggestions on what to use on the maple to make the grain "pop" and will also allow the epoxy to stick?

I use 220 sandpaper on oil finishes before I pour. It works very well.

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I'm hoping that some of ya'll have tried this by now and might have some helpful hints/tips/tricks.

I'm going to make my 1st attempt at epoxy finished scales this weekend.
I have all of the necessary materials, and a few pairs of scales that I'm not too attached to, and a strong desire to make this work.

I have done a lot of them. The only tricks I can really recommend, make sure your platform is perfectly level. Remember this is a liquid and takes a long time to cure. If you scales are tilted to one side the finish will settle to one side. Make sure you put some kind of cover over the scales after you pour them, I use a cardboard box. That keeps dust from settling on them.

Originally Posted by SheffieldShaver

I've also subscribed to this thread!

I've spent rather more time this morning than I should have looking into where these resins can be sourced in the UK and I've found that Envirotex Lite and Crystal Sheen, apparently suitable two-part resins, can be bought here: EnviroTex High Gloss Varnish

Rustins also do a Plastic Coating which a lot of people use for this sort of thing, although I came across someone saying that it's not an epoxy one (dunno if that's right or not), which is probably more commonly available (it seems to be popular with people who are putting finishes on musical instruments).

found this place http://www.craftmaterialsupplies.co...._Resin_16.html
Just done my first coating with this will let you know how it turns out.

I saw a video from: TAP Plastics on pouring epoxy resin and they used either one of their products or they said to use Vaseline to coat the under side of the scales to prevent resin from sticking. I am looking into Tap plastics for making molds out of urethane and pouring scales with embedded objects. Kinda like inlay but suspended objects. Just don't tell anyone. LOL

Right this is what i found after 24 hrs the resin had become solid enough not to run but unfortunately it wasn't even/level across the scales.So i think casting resin is just too thick,temperature was ok i think ,even here in the uk it was 70c
So i think i'll try using EnviroTex High Gloss Varnish when this tin of resin runs out.The hardest part is letting the resin cure properly(3 days) coz i just want to get working on them!Although through using a straight razor my patience is getting better,i've learnt quickly that you can't rush anything associated with straight razors.

Originally Posted by turbine712

I saw a video from: TAP Plastics on pouring epoxy resin and they used either one of their products or they said to use Vaseline to coat the under side of the scales to prevent resin from sticking. I am looking into Tap plastics for making molds out of urethane and pouring scales with embedded objects. Kinda like inlay but suspended objects. Just don't tell anyone. LOL

That sounds really good.You could let your imagination run free to produce truly unique customised scales.

I am just getting started making scales. You have set a high standard. Well, I have the wood and all the equipment lets just
hope I don't end up like the late "anal retentive carpenter on Saturday Night Live. I have visions of dust and chips and not much more.
I'll post some pictures if anything turns out.