Order of epoxy, stain, finish

[Kodi Crescent]

I'm getting ready to build a countertop for a bathroom sink out of qtr sawn oak.  I'm considering using epoxy to fill any dips or divots in the surface so that the countertop is flat.

I'm assuming the wood is stained first (oil-based), allowed to dry for some time, epoxy filled, then finished.  Again, this is my assumption, I know nothing.  Is this the correct order?

 

[Cheese]

How bad are the dips and divots?

You may be able to pull them out with some steam and an iron.

 

[Kodi Crescent]

I anticipate some tearout during planing.

 

[Pnw painter]

Are you planning on using the export as a sealer or as finish?

Smith’s penetrating epoxy would work well as a sealer. Since it’s a counter top for a sink I’d apply 2 coats.

I’d recommend looking into Waterlox as a topcoat. Or maybe a floor finish from Bona or a 2k post catalyzed product.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ptk16]

Epoxy fill the voids first

 

[kevinculle]

Take it to a shop with a widebelt sander to avoid tearout.

 

[Cheese]

I anticipate some tearout during planing.

Well Kodi, if everything’s smooth right now and you’re just anticipating tear out, then as Kevin said take it to a local shop with a Timesaver. The local wood shop charges $20 and they’ll run it through a dozen or more times if needed. Fast and a lot easier than dealing with epoxy. Then you’re just down to staining & sealing.

 

[tjbnwi]

Forgo the epoxy. Not necessary.

You should have no tearout planing QSWO.

Consider a card scraper.

As other stated, wide belt if need be.

Tom