Clear coat for woody?

[nevadatear]

Randy and I are considering an automotive clear coat over the epoxy on our woody it a year or two. It currently has a couple of less than beautiful, but functional spar varnish over the epoxy. I assume we would need to sand down to the epoxy. How much would a good job of several coasts of clear coat cost to have done do you suppose?

[wagondude]

Automotive paint is pricey due to environmental regs. If you plan to have it done at a body shop, you can probably expect to spend a couple grand to have it done right. You could get it done at Macco (if you can talk them into it) for probably less than $500, but your tear is too nice to let them do it. I have an uncle in NW Montana that has a shop. I know he would do a good job. Just don't know if he would be willing. It is a one man shop. If you think you might be going this route and cant find anyone closer to do it, let me know. I could find out if he would do it and pass contact information.

BTW, have you considered using the oil based tinting base? There was a thread with links to an article about how it dries clear (don't mix any pigments in ) and lasts longer than spar varnish. It is also easy to apply with rollers and brushes.

[doug hodder]

Debbie...I'll see you in a week or so. We can have a chat about what it's going to need then. As mentioned, clear coat isn't cheap regardless of the brand of product you use, and like with any paint job, how nice it all turns out depends on just how much prep work you've done. I haven't bought any since the last tear, so don't have an idea on the current pricing, but am picking up some paint next week. I'll ask. Doug

[VijayGupta]

This one here, in case you can't find it:
http://www.hardwoodlumberandmore.com/Ar ... inish.aspx

BTW, have you considered using the oil based tinting base? There was a thread with links to an article about how it dries clear (don't mix any pigments in ) and lasts longer than spar varnish. It is also easy to apply with rollers and brushes.

[bohemian]

Sand her down and give her a couple more coats of varnish, she'll love you for it.