"thinned epoxy" question

[bbtiller]

Capt Pat,in the building tips, teak console section, you mentioned : "The first coat of epoxy will be thinned with denatured alcohol for maximum penetration into the surface of the wood."

What might be the ratio of denatured alcohol to epoxy? I assume this is west syst. epoxy. Thanks, I'm going to re- finish a teak rocket launcher.

[John F.]

I think Capt. Pat recommends 10 to 20%. West gets really watery at 20% and gets absorbed.

[CaptPatrick]

Bradley,

For thicker epoxies, thin by 10% volume with denatured alcohol. For thinner layup epoxies, thin by 5% by volume with denatured alcohol...

[wmachovina]

How about using penetrating epoxies like Smiths. Used it for a cherry countertop in my 38 to protect it from water/wine stains, multiple coats then some west coats then finally spray a satin varnish. Seems ok.i like using the Smiths ,wood just soaks it up.

[CaptPatrick]

Bill,

Woods & other penetrating epoxies do a good job, it's just that most folks that might buy it already have standard epoxy and denatured alcohol on hand. Just a matter of convenience...

[wmachovina]

Thanks Capt, figured that but I really was surprised by the level of penetration I got from the Smiths. Suppose thinned west would do the same but I can be sold just bout anything if somebody tells me it wrks better. Now let's talk about trim tabs on a 31 :-)