Finishing a slab

[Tinker]

i am looking for a wood slab (preferably live edge walnut) for a wall hanging coat rack for my son. The wood is not my problem.  I have searched a couple of sites and am down to making choices.

My problem will be how to finish.

I have not worked with epoxy since 1954 when I used it on a boat I was building.  (I also used it on a dairy floor back in the 70's, but would rather not think about that experience.  [sad] Somewhere on the FOG, I have a somewhat sketchy story about that) For the boat project, I got all of the materials, including the fiberglass fabric for the RIGHT price.  I was friends with the developers and they wanted me to try it out.

I have read a little about flow on glass finish epoxy recently and am thinking of trying my hand with that.  I know that working with wood, the same thing should be applied to both top and bottom surfaces.  I am wondering if I apply the epoxy to the face surface, if I can use wipe on poly for the back side.  Both materials are sealers, but I am sure the poly is not as impervious as the epoxy.  Will the board have a tendency to warp if i use the two different materials on opposite surfaces?
TIA
Tinker

 

[Scott B.]

Tinker

It depends on the integrity of the slab. If its pretty tight, I don't think I'd go down the epoxy road for a wall mounted rack. They don't see too much hard wear and tear. A good option for that sort of thing is to sand to about 120 or 150 and saturate with a penetrating oil (Watco or Surfix would work) and then allow a good 48 hour cure, then you could buff out with the wipe on poly that I know you prefer. The oil treatment on both sides would give plenty of dimensional stability.

I have done West System epoxy on that sort of thing, and it is great for filling in knots and crevices, and creates a nice glass, but I think it might be overkill here.

 

[tjbnwi]

This walnut is protected with Surfix Outdoor oil.

It's now a few years old and looks as good as the day I finished it. I know this, because it is in our hallway by the back door. My wife uses it everyday when she puts her shoes on.

Tom

 

[Tinker]

@ Scott Burt, thanks for the quick reply.

I was sure you would reply.  I am not worried about over/under kill.  I'm not planning on a lynching from the coat hangers.  He's my son. 8)

Is there an flow on Epoxy that will leave a hard finish with a more satiny look?

The main use for the item is to hang outdoor clothing as he comes into his kitchen.  Since apples don't fall too far away from the tree they grew on, i am not expecting any "Sunday Best" clothing to be hung there by ether him, his son or most of his visitors. His day job often turns into all nite as he has contract with a local water company.  as frost goes deeper, his daylite often becomes more flashlite and mud, no matter how cold.  Right now, everything gets thrown into a heap beside the door.  [huh]

A walnut slab is not the least expensive chunk of wood I can put on the wall.  If the oil and poly over is a more durable finish, I have learned how to make it look hand finished with rough swirls.  That has been my idea all along.  I have just been reading and watching YT about flow on Epoxy.  Not so concerned about the shiney effect as about learning a bit more about application before I try on a large table or similar project.

Tinker

 

[Tinker]

This walnut is protected with Surfix Outdoor oil.

It's now a few years old and looks as good as the day I finished it. I know this, because it is in our hallway by the back door. My wife uses it everyday when she puts her shoes on.

Tom

That looks great, Tom.  I just finished a table for my cuz & his wife.  I used Teak Oil and wipe on poly, several coats of each.  How many coats of Surfix did you apply?  Brushed? Wipe on?  [attachimg=1]

Tinker

 

[tjbnwi]

Looks good Tinker.

Now that you're more confused......

Tom

 

[Jamie_MA]

Check this Slab out  [eek]

 

[tiralie]

Check this Slab out  [eek]

Thanks, that was interesting.
Was that a RAS 115 she was using in the video to sand that slab or an older Rotex?
Not sure why she wasn't using any dust collection.
Tim

 

[jacko9]

I'm partial to West Systems myself, here's a link to the West Systems Epoxy Users Manual that can answer a lot of your questions.

http://www.sterndrives.com/supplies/epoxyresin03.html

Jack

 

[rvieceli]

Tim. She's got a hose hooked up to the sander and the vac behind her.

 

[Cheese]

Was that a RAS 115 she was using in the video to sand that slab or an older Rotex?

Tim, I believe that's an older Rotex. It also has that geared Rotex sound to it.

 

[tiralie]

Tim. She's got a hose hooked up to the sander and the vac behind her.

Lol, thanks. Perhaps I need that new prescription for my glasses sooner rather than later.
Tim