Thread: Using Epoxy Resin to coat wood scales

I saw a piece on here about using epoxy resin to coat 2 sets of scales I made from wood. There being some particles in the top layers of the resin after 24 hours, I sanded the scales and tried buffing them to a polish. Instead of polishing them, the scales just seemed to accumulate a sort of sludge that needed to be hand-sanded off. I'm sure that there is something wrong with my technique. Can anyone give me a hand?

Originally Posted by jtischler

I saw a piece on here about using epoxy resin to coat 2 sets of scales I made from wood. There being some particles in the top layers of the resin after 24 hours, I sanded the scales and tried buffing them to a polish. Instead of polishing them, the scales just seemed to accumulate a sort of sludge that needed to be hand-sanded off. I'm sure that there is something wrong with my technique. Can anyone give me a hand?

Did you get the correct mixture? resulting in a more wet then dry epoxy layer if not mixed properly. What epoxy did you use?

Drying time is also a factor as it should be fully cured before throwing those on your buffer. A to high of a buffer speed will also accelerate the sludge you're talking about. And hopefully you're not talking sisal wheel.

lol Max. Nope, the sisal wheel is not my "cure all." I was using a cotton buff with white. I think you are right about the mixture, as part of the scale was still tacky 24 hours later. Anything I can do for damage control rather than starting from scratch?

Originally Posted by jtischler

lol Max. Nope, the sisal wheel is not my "cure all." I was using a cotton buff with white. I think you are right about the mixture, as part of the scale was still tacky 24 hours later. Anything I can do for damage control rather than starting from scratch?

Unfortunately if it's tacky nothing will really help as to get rid of it. Even putting it aside for a week, using a hair drying, toasting or using the oven :-). If it's only part of the scale that's tacky try to give it a day or 2 of of extra curing.

Max is dead on here. I have done scales that I had to throw away because I didn't get the mix right. It's hard to do some times. Also, when I have used epoxy, I found that if I set the sclaes up in a room area where I don't have to move them because I found just not touching them for 72 hours really allows them to dry and makes polishing easier. I am not good with the epoxy but some folks here are masters with it.

Same thing has happened to me..I found that in the winter scales take longer to cure (sometimes up to a week) due to the colder temps in the garage shop. In the summer it takes less than half the time. It is bette to pull them inside and put them in a closet (for the smell) to cure in the warmth. Adding to that I had to pay more attention to the mixture amounts in the winter..because of how tacky the end state would be...Of course saying all that, I have still screwed up quite a few scales. I am looking for a better finish. I been satisfied the most with Gun Stock finish so far..It takes more coats, but hte end state is the nicest... for me anyway, I am sure the pros have better stuff..I just haven't cracked the code yet...Good luck.