Non-Skid

[thombiz]

I'll address the polyurethane vs epoxy question. I seriously doubt there is much strength or durability difference between polyurethane and epoxy. The real difference is how different varieties age. Most epoxies yellow with age. Some urethanes yellow with age. Eva recommends a non-yellowing epoxy available from Fiberglass Hawaii. I recommend a matte finish urethane because it helps make the finish look uniform even though it may actually be blotchy. It is somewhat difficult to spread the acrylic dust perfectly even. The matte finish helps hide some of that unevenness. As far as I know, epoxy is not available in a matte finish.

[J64TWB]

Thanks Bob, which would be easier to apply and is the polyurethane product you use found at stores? Also what is it's typical use, marine or auto or...

Thanks.

[cgoudie1]

Any old world flower sifter should work for a somewhat even distribution of whatever grit you use, but any help in a better looking finish is good, so,
matte urethane seems like a good choice to me.

-Craig

[thombiz]

The polyurethane I use is primarily used for autos. As far as I know, it is only available thru Ebay. I was passing thru Louisiana/Mississippi and tried to find a brick and mortar store without success. I planned to buy on site and save the shipping costs to no avail. It can be sprayed, but I suggest the foam roller because it is readily available, does a good job, and doesn't require a spray unit, respirator, ventilation, compressor, and extended clean-up. I have used tints in the urethane to airbrush graphics on my own boards. I get the tints at US Composites.

I have used polyester based urethanes like Awlgrip and other urethanes like Imron but they are much more expensive. Last I checked a quart of Imron activator ran about $180. I an get a quart kit of Urekem for $65 and the quality is generally comparable.

The UreKem urethane nonskid lasts several years without much degradation in non-skid qualities or appearance qualities.

[dmilovich]

In our area, Salt Lake, one can go to an specialty auto paint supplier like Superior Automotive and get high quality two-component urethane such as Imron pre-mixed (resin and catalyst together) and loaded into a spray can. They offer this for auto repair and other places that are doing touch-up work. Superior color matches to any chip you bring in, or will provide clear.

Since it's pre-catalyzed, it won't last very long, but if you put it into the refrigerator to chill it between applications, it'll still spray for about a week. Easily long enough to do your board coats.

Never tried to get it with a matte agent (or "flattening agent") added, but they should be able to do it. So check around your area and see if you have any auto paint specialty stores that do color compounding/matching and see if they offer this service.

Multi-component urethane stays true to color much longer than epoxy and is a very tough resin, so it's good stuff. It's generally much better than a single-component urethane. Good luck!

[cgoudie1]

Superior Automotive are who I use for spray in. It's not inexpensive, but
you get exactly what you want (or at least exactly what you spec ;*) ).

-Craig

[isobars]

http://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=413

It's all I've used on scores of boards, for many performance reasons, since I discovered it ~30 years ago.

[carl]

Rolling on a thick coat of Redek works for me. I just sprinkle some granulated sugar on it before it drys to make it rougher. Excess sugar washes off after it drys and makes a nice rough surface.