I’ve decided to go the Epoxy Graphite route, for a bottom coat, but now that I’ve done more research I’ve got a few more questions that I can’t seem to find solid answers for.
1: West marine says a 10% by volume, but I’ve seen others mixing at much higher ratios. Sometimes as much as 50%.
That seems extreme to me and seems like it could compromise the strength of the epoxy. What ratios are you guys generally using?
2: I’m also seeing a lot of folks recommending adding Cabosil as a thicker with the graphite to reduce sags or runs. Again this seems like overkill if applied in thin coats, but may help the mixture be more durable.
When using it though, again the mix ratios are all over the place witn some saying 25%/25% to 50% epoxy.
Opinions/Suggestions?
3: Surface prep. I haven’t seen a lot of info on this subject.
What’s needed in terms of grit/sanding,
Would 120 grit on a DA be enough or to much for example. I certainly don’t want to see sanding scratches through the finish. Although I’d think the thickness of epoxy over several coats would cover up a lot.
I’ve also seen where folks are doing multiple coats over multiple days with 500grit wet sandings in between. Would recoating while the epoxy is still green be a better option?
What’s y’all’s opinions and techniques?
1: West marine says a 10% by volume, but I’ve seen others mixing at much higher ratios. Sometimes as much as 50%.
That seems extreme to me and seems like it could compromise the strength of the epoxy. What ratios are you guys generally using?
2: I’m also seeing a lot of folks recommending adding Cabosil as a thicker with the graphite to reduce sags or runs. Again this seems like overkill if applied in thin coats, but may help the mixture be more durable.
When using it though, again the mix ratios are all over the place witn some saying 25%/25% to 50% epoxy.
Opinions/Suggestions?
3: Surface prep. I haven’t seen a lot of info on this subject.
What’s needed in terms of grit/sanding,
Would 120 grit on a DA be enough or to much for example. I certainly don’t want to see sanding scratches through the finish. Although I’d think the thickness of epoxy over several coats would cover up a lot.
I’ve also seen where folks are doing multiple coats over multiple days with 500grit wet sandings in between. Would recoating while the epoxy is still green be a better option?
What’s y’all’s opinions and techniques?
