Couple more epoxy questions

[Aaron Coffee]

I hope to have #2 done enough to take to a local car show in a couple weeks, but probably won't have marine varnish applied yet, I used RAKA non blushing epoxy, my question is how long does it take for UV to degrade the epoxy? I epoxied the sides over a year ago, (in a garage since), what do I wipe it down with to remove any oils, dust, etc, before I varnish it?
Thanks
Aaron

[Steve_Cox]

I hope to have #2 done enough to take to a local car show in a couple weeks, but probably won't have marine varnish applied yet, I used RAKA non blushing epoxy, my question is how long does it take for UV to degrade the epoxy? I epoxied the sides over a year ago, (in a garage since), what do I wipe it down with to remove any oils, dust, etc, before I varnish it?
Thanks
Aaron

Aaron,

I was told by the fiberglass shop foreman in a large boat yard that the best thing to wash down epoxy before varnishing was liquid hand soap and water, rinse and dry. He was truly an expert in his field.

[kirkman]

I second that! Steve is right!

[doug hodder]

Not to be a trouble maker...but over that much time...I'd scuff sand it with something like a 220+ and wipe it down prior to any varnish, like with a commercial de-greaser for surfaces prior to paint. Sitting inside or not...a "tooth" to bind to would be helpful. Others opinions will vary. Doug

[parnold]

I'm with Doug on this, if I were doing it, I would scuff the surface and clean with a chemical cleaner (Wax and Grease Remover). I suggest you call the manufacturer of the varnish and ask them what to do, since there's a pretty wide gap between the two lines of advice.

[doug hodder]

do whatch'a want, but as I recall...Paul is in the industry, any surface left for that time will have something that may screw up a finish, and I could be completely wet on this, but it's gonna need a "tooth". Just what I'd do. Doug