Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I'm coating my sides with epoxy to seal it, my plan is to use 3 coats on the outside, 2 on the inside and follow that with 2 or 3 coats of UV protected varnish. I'm finding the finish of the epoxy is very grainy/rough and not as smooth as some appear to be in many of the build logs. Although I will be sanding between coats, could I be using a roller with too long a nap? I have been brushing on the epoxy and smoothing with a roller. Would a foam roller work better or would it be torn apart? What do you use?

Thanks

You ought to be using a foam roller made for epoxy application. One of the paint foam ones from the big box stores will tear apart. The epoxy rollers aren't sold at a HD either at least around here...you need to get to a speciality type store, Woodcrafters, West Marine, etc... or order online. After you roll the epoxy on, then take a roller that you have cut in 1/2. Clamp it in a spring clamp and back drag the resin to knock down bubbles and orange peel. It's in the user manuals posted in the stickies. (see West System instructions) Apply with a roller, backdrag with a cutdown roller.

Depending on how smooth you want your finish, 3 layers may not be enough. I'd never pick a "number" of coats, but do it till I'm happy with the results. Doug

What Doug said. Also good to focus on the plywood endgrain when applying epoxy, fill until smooth.

use light weight poly.. apply the resin, lay the poly over it and use a wide 8 -12" drywall knife to "squeege" it smooth.. when the epoxy cures pull the poly. viola! smooth as a baby's bum..

Would a foam roller work better or would it be torn apart? What do you use?

I use a foam brush and "tip" after rolling on with a foam roller.