texastom said:
Beekeeper, you are doing a great job finding and using new (to me) graphite type coatings. If I have kept track correctly, you have used the following:
1) DIY mix of graphite and epoxy
2) Goop Coat It
3) EZ Slide
4) Rockite and Epoxy
Have you used each of them enough to determine which works best for protecting the wood against scrapes and rubs?
The short answer would be no, but I have used my boats enough to have some thoughts and ideas about coatings. They may not be correct and other folks may have different needs or results.
There seems to be two primary purposes for bottom coatings, protection from cuts gouges, scrapes, etc., and fairing = smooth/slippery.
Attention to finish work and good materials can give you a smooth/fair hull. Quality marine ply or strips work better than cheap wood (less sanding and filling). Graphite/epoxy top coating seems to level the finish and adds the element of lubrication. Seems to reduce drag when paddling and defiantly aids is sliding over objects and vegetation.
The graphite/epoxy did not provide much cut/scrape protection for me. It may offer some sacrificial material but it needs to be harder. I think the EZ Slide will be comparable. May be more covenant.
The Garage Floor (2 part epoxy) Paint has been working well. It is much harder and finishes smoother than the other paints and varnishes I have used. I don't abuse my boats but seem to have a knack for finding sharp rocks, trees with nails, pipes, broken concrete, or any other hidden hazard in the bayou. The paint has helped.
The Goop "Coat It" is very hard also and the graphite does not wear off to touch as bad as the homemade graphite mix. The one trip I made did result in a minor scratch to the bottom but I was not aware of hitting anything. It is only cosmetic.
The Rockite and epoxy has not been used. I like it's ease of application and the lack of messy graphite. It leveled to a smooth surface and with the Teflon wax it is slippery and has some UV protection. I did have to work quickly and used small batches of epoxy. The first coat seemed to dry faster than epoxy by it's self. I then read the box and it says it hardens in 15 min. when mixed with water to patch concrete. I guess it reacts to the epoxy in the same manor.
beekeeper