I am considering using Epoxy Coating Resin to coat some exterior woodwork (marine ply fascias) in the expectation that it will have a very long life (20+ years) especially when compared to traditional paint finishes.

1. I want it black.  Can I use gel-coat pigment (which I have) or do I need to use epoxy-specific pigment?
2. I understand that epoxy is not UV stable.  Does that mean that the epoxy can fail under natural light or simply that it does not retain its clear colour (which is of no consequence to me as I want to pigment it in black)?

Many thanks.

You must use the epoxy pigments and not polyester gel coat pigments.

Pretty much all epoxies are rubbish for UV and will go a flat reasonably quick with sun exposure.

Thanks for the reply.

I can accept the epoxy going flat so long as it doesn't degrade.  Can you advise whether UV affects its performance/resilience over and above just going from shiny to dull?  Can I reasonably expect 20+ years out of it before a re-coat?