Pro XL - 1K - Clear.

[Lbob131]

Used  this  automotive  lacquer on a table  top  with an epoxy resin inlay.
Though it is  advertised  for  use  on wood  also.

"A high-performance 1K clear lacquer clearcoat, which gives a crystal clear finish to metal, wood and painted surfaces. An acrylic lacquer that can be applied over all water and solvent-based basecoats. It has a rapid drying time, and provides a durable, UV and petrol-resistant finish."

The  finish  on  the walnut  and  ash  is  stunning  but have a series  of dimples  on  the  resin inlay.
Base  coat  is  sanding sealer.
I will  probably sand it down and  try  again  but if  anyone  has  any pointers  they  would be  appreciated.

Perhaps I need  to  try a  lighter  coat?
Wish I knew  how  to  post an image.

 

[Lbob131]

Think I have  it sussed.

 

[Lbob131]

View attachment 1

 

[luvmytoolz]

Think I have  it sussed.

Was it contaminants of some sort?

 

[Lbob131]

Thats a bad  image  and  not  showing the defects.
I have a  close  up  but it wont  upload.

 

[Lbob131]

OK  so its all sanded  down and  on close  inspection I can see  that its  tiny  air bubbles.
I actually thought  that  given  the epoxy  didnt set  for  about 3  days  the air would  have  reached  the top.

 

[bobtskutter]

I suspect your image file size is too big.
I've been experimenting with epoxy inlays, using clear epoxy.

I've had the same issues you've described, i.e. very very small bubbles in the clear epoxy.  They show up on the surface and if you shine a light through the epoxy.  I think I need more practice with clear epoxy, probably less mixing (less bubbles) and slower pour.

And, deep pour epoxy takes several days to set.

Bob

 

[tjbnwi]

You may need to use a heat gun on the surface while it is wet to draw the air bubbles out.

Tom

 

[bobtskutter]

A heat gun works to pop bubbles on the surface.
Applying a brushed on coat to prime the surface of the wood also helps.

I've not made many epoxy projects, but working with clear epoxy is certainly the hardest.  I figure dyeing epoxy also helps make it opaque, so you can't see through it to see the bubbles.

Bob