Should I Topcoat Epoxy?

J

Joelk

I just sprayed some Black SPI Epoxy on a couple Trailer Hitch Receivers and Ball Mounts.

I sprayed two full wet coats.

This is the first time I have sprayed the SPI Epoxy and I was surprised at how much gloss it has.

I have SPI SS Black that I had planned on spraying over the Epoxy, but I am content with the appearance the parts currently have, and am wondering if I still want to Topcoat it.

Will the uncoated Epoxy hold up over time, or do I need to Topcoat it?

What will it look like 2-5 years from now?
 
I'm pretty sure Barry said the epoxy has UV protection included so it will not fade in the sun. Durability wise, the epoxy is tough stuff once cured. It won't chip or flake off if you prepped the surface properly prior to paint.
 
For a trailer hitch, you should be fine, how long it will last in sun is still a crap-shoot but I would suspect 3-5 years, depending on how high the humidity was when you sprayed it and if you let the epoxy induce first.
 
Thanks, for the replies?

Does the Epoxy have some UV Protection in it?

Is a long induction period, better for durability, or worse?
 
Joelk;27842 said:
Thanks, for the replies?

Does the Epoxy have some UV Protection in it?

YES!

Is a long induction period, better for durability, or worse?
Click to expand...

Longer is always better, in this case.
 
I have to admit,When I shot my lawn mower's frame,including the front "bumper" back in 07 with the old stuff,It lasted until 11' before starting to fade.And this was with Sun on it daily.The "new" stuff may go even longer.However,IMO,I would shoot a coat of the SS Black on it since you still have some of the "Black Gold". I shot the body with 2 coats of SS and,well,IF I would wash the poor thing,would be good as new outside of using it for a bulldozer sometimes.
 
Barry;27827 said:
I would suspect 3-5 years, depending on how high the humidity was when you sprayed it
Click to expand...

Please explain the role of the humidity verse the life of the primer?
 
Per the new epoxy data sheets: "You do not need to topcoat our epoxy on frames, wheel wells, ..."

Does this fall into your blanket statement of "I would suspect 3-5 years, depending on how high the humidity was when you sprayed it and if you let the epoxy induce first. " Or, were you specifically referring to sun exposure.

Without topcoat, can I expect an engine bay to look good indefinitely on a restoration?
 
I sprayed a hood scoop black epoxy a while back. never got to finishing it, so it's faded now. Is it actually weakened and needing removal prior to spraying another coat and finishing, or is the color just faded and it could be left on?
 
MX442;29278 said:
Per the new epoxy data sheets: "You do not need to topcoat our epoxy on frames, wheel wells, ..."

Does this fall into your blanket statement of "I would suspect 3-5 years, depending on how high the humidity was when you sprayed it and if you let the epoxy induce first. " Or, were you specifically referring to sun exposure.

Without topcoat, can I expect an engine bay to look good indefinitely on a restoration?
Click to expand...

I would say yes unless you don't have a hood.
 
I'm also interested in the effects of humidity on the life expectancy of the Primer.

Thanks,
 
I have personally noticed that it seems as if the epoxy is sandable quicker in my shop when the A/C is on vs. if it is not running.. It's noticeably different.

It seems as if everything works better when the A/C is on actually.. including myself.. :encouragement:
 
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