Epoxy is a great product to use for projects, but the shine and smoothness of the surface can be compromised if you try to add a lacquer or varnish on top.
Epoxy itself is meant to be used as an adhesive or coating that provides protection from scratches and other damage while also providing a thick finish.
If you want to add something else on top of your epoxy, it’s best to use a different product that won’t affect how well it sticks together.
In this article, we’ll answer some common questions about epoxy and its compatibility with other products like varnishes or paints so you can choose what works best for your project!
How do you apply varnish over epoxy?
If your epoxy is wet, you can use a foam brush or roller. If it’s dry, you’ll need to use a spray gun.
- Foam brush: Use a 2” or 3” thick brush to apply varnish evenly over the surface of your project. Be careful not to leave any areas uncovered (you don’t want any bare spots), but be aware that brushing can cause some bubbles in the varnish if applied too heavily.
- Foam roller: If you’re working with larger surfaces, like cabinets or shelving units, then rolling is probably your best option because it allows for more even coverage than brushing alone and doesn’t create many bubbles as long as enough solvent has been added into each coat of varnish that’s being applied.
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Can you apply varnish to resin?
You can apply varnish to resin, epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic. You can also apply varnish to wood and metal.
What kind of finish can you put over epoxy?
You can apply a variety of finishes over epoxy. The most popular options are varnish, polyurethane, and lacquer.
Varnish is easy to apply and gives a smooth, glossy finish that protects against water damage. Polyurethane provides similar protection but it’s more durable than varnish and won’t yellow over time as lacquer does.
Shellac is another option that has a soft luster to it when finished properly.
Shellac: This alcohol-soluble resin comes in liquid form and dries into an amber shine after being applied with an applicator brush or cloth
Paint: If you want something really durable on your surface then paint might be the best option for you because it will last longer than other types of coatings
Varnish: You can use any type of varnish over epoxy
Can you put a finish on epoxy?
Yes, you can varnish over epoxy. You can also apply polyurethane or lacquer over it as well.
Epoxy is a very durable finish that has been used on boats for many years. It’s highly resistant to most chemicals, but it does not have the same properties as polyurethane or lacquer finishes, so these other finishes will not stick well to the epoxy surface without some preparation work first.
Will polyurethane stick to epoxy?
Polyurethane is a great choice for an epoxy finish. It’s easy to apply, durable, and water-resistant. Polyurethanes are available in gloss, semi-gloss, or satin finishes.
A polyurethane coating will adhere well to any surface that has been properly prepared with sanding and cleaning of the substrate (epoxy).
Polyurethanes are also excellent choices for coating plastics such as fiberglass boats because they offer good UV protection and are flexible enough not to crack when subjected to temperature changes or impact stress.
How do you finish epoxy?
Epoxy is a two-part resin that comes in a kit, or you can buy the resin and hardener separately.
To mix epoxy, you’ll need:
- A disposable cup (the kind of cup you’d use at a restaurant)
- Stirrer (a stirrer from an oil dispenser)
The epoxy mixture is mixed 1:1, so if you have 2 ounces of resin and 2 ounces of hardener, that’s all you need. Pour your epoxy mixture into the container and then add your hardener on top. Stir it up with your stirrer until it’s thoroughly mixed together.
Can you lacquer over epoxy?
You can use lacquer to coat epoxy or polyurethane. Lacquer will stick to both of those surfaces, but not vice versa (you can’t just paint over epoxy and expect it to stick).
In general, you want a clear finish on top of the epoxy layer so that any colored dyes from the wood show through. If you’re going for a solid color on your furniture piece, though, then you would want a colored lacquer in order for it not to look like plastic.
Does epoxy need a top coat?
Epoxy does not need a top coat. The resin and hardener act as the finish, so it is indeed self-sealing. Epoxy can be painted over with latex paint or oil-based paints (as long as they’re compatible).
It can also be varnished, lacquered, polished, or waxed.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the different types of finishes you can apply to epoxy resin.
We have also provided some helpful tips and tricks for each type of finish that should help you get the best results possible when varnishing or painting your project!
