Decking and Seating materials

[preaton]

Mike is correct. The amines are water soluble. All you need to do is to go over the epoxy with lots of water and a scotchbrite pad. This also provides the keying surface. You do need to let things dry off properly before panting, varnishing etc.

Cheers

Paul

[fredrosse]

I used RAKA epoxy throughout, and have had no problems with gummy epoxy surfaces.

So, is sanding the only way to remove the Helmsman Urethane Varnish and not take off the epoxy? I thought real epoxy was pretty impervious to solvents after it cures, and that some stripper could be bought that wouls not harm the epoxy coating.

[barts]

Strippers are not solvent based. I know of no chemical stripper that will not affect the epoxy as well as the varnish. You can try xylene to see if that will help remove the varnish, but it won't "strip" it.

The varnish should remove pretty readily mechanically; it's much softer than the epoxy. If you manage to sand through the epoxy, just apply some more; it recoats well if sanded.

- Bart