Hi
I’ve been making a load of things (mostly rings) with either epoxy and/or PU resin. Some clear with inclusions and some opaque and some a mixture of the two. My questions concern the finishing of them. I understand epoxy resin isn’t UV resistant so clear would yellow over a period of time. Also, I find that I don’t always get the best finish when using silicone moulds. Therefore I need to coat each piece with a clear coat or a lacquer. I’ve had a look on EC website and forum and have found several possibilities. But which one would be best for my purpose?

1. A resin clear coat. Would I sand the piece then apply this to one side, let this dry then apply to the other side? Can it be painted on without brush marks? Can I then buff it on a buffing wheel?

2. GC50. Does this work on the same principle as a resin clear coat as above? Again would I apply it in sections, can it be painted on without brush marks and can it be buffed on a wheel?

3. I’ve also read on here about a 2 part clear lacquer used on cars. Is this just a general acrylic or is there a specific one that I should be looking for? What does the ‘2 part’ refer to? Would it bond ok with PU and epoxy?

Basically, im looking for the best method for UV protecting as well as achieving a high gloss finish on small jewellery pieces? I know some puritans out there may well suggest going through the sandpaper grits but I’ve tried this and it takes far too long with only barely adequate results?!

Hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Much appreciated. X

Hi Matt

Thanks so much for that! I love that you’re on holiday and away from work but you can’t keep away totally. That to me is true success as it means you love your job. Awesome!

Thanks interesting reading about your resins and the modern ones being sufficient for my needs. I get most from either EC or east coast fibreglass so I’m sure they will already be adequate. Sometimes the surface of my mould has been compromised though and I need to sand it down and refinish it which is mostly whim after a surface treatment.

I do have a hobby polishing machine which is a bit like a bench grinder set up. There are so many types of polishing wheel and pastes/creams/compounds etc available for different purposes (much like resin itself I suppose) that again, I’m struggling to know which is best for my needs. Especially when some forums suggest using a metal polish on resin etc. I shall put in an order for the compound you mention above as soon as your new resin is available so I can get them together.

I’ve read the how to use part where it links to the polishing pads you recommend using with it. Do you have any recommendations for similar pads that will fit on a bench grinder type set up. I.e. with the hole in the middle f the pad? There are so many to choose from ( felt, wool, foam, cotton, calico, stitched, unstitched....) I would rather get advice first. I could get the ones you recommend which will fit to my Dremel but I’d much rather have both hands free.

I would love to attend some sort of overview workshop where I could learn the do’s and dont’s in theory and in practice.

Thanks also for th3 heads up re clear PU resin. I did have some but stopped using it when I read on someone’s blog that hobbyists should avoid it all costs due to the PPE requirements. Should I wish to dispose of the unused bottles I am assuming I can take them to the council tip and tell them what 5hey are so they can dispose of them properly?

Thanks again for your advice, I really appreciate it. Happy New Year too!

Matt Statham
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Sales