I made a sorority paddle. What can I use to get that thick coating like the store bought ones?

Answer 1

I believe the fiberglass resin mentioned before is a two-part epoxy resin (not a polyester resin, also called "casting resin. Epoxy resin is what's often used on bartops, etc., and will create a thick, very glossy finish with one layer.

You can buy various brands of epoxy resin at hobby or craft stores or a plastics store (Envirotex Lite, Aristocrat Liquid Glass, Ultra-Glo, for example), or cheaper at a hardware store like Home Depot (Glaze Coat, by Famowood).

You can read more about both epoxy and polyester resins as used for crafts and art (as opposed to using with fiberglass, which is usually a polyester resin anyway, I think) on this page at my site if you want more info on mixing, application, curing, brands, etc.
http://glassattic.com/polymer/other_materials.htm
(...click on "Coating" for applying it this way)

You can also apply a bunch of coats of a clear urethane, etc. from the hardware store, but it will take more work (sand and dry between each coat).


Diane B.

Answer 2

You will need to use a varnish. Sand the wood so it is nice and smooth, makes sure you wipe off all the dust then apply the varnish. Let the varnish dry usually 12 - 24 hours, then give the whole thing another lights sanding until all the bubbles are gone and clean off the dust again, then varnish again. Do this at least 3 - 4 times or even more if you want a really deep lustre. Read the instructions on the varnish and if you want a high gloss, choose a high gloss varnish.

Answer 3

go down to the hardware store and get some fiberglass resin. Take your paddle and put four finish nails about 1" in from each corner on both sides. put the paddle on something like a large drip tray and start applying coats of resin to it.first one side then flip it over and do the other. when you have as mush as you want pull the nails and fill the holes. ! badass puddle! It applies fast and thick and dries to a rock hard clear finish.

Answer 4

There is this really great stuff at AC Moore like varnish but its super thick. The package says 1 coat of it = 50 coats of varnish. I cant remember the name..

Answer 5

many layers of uruthane. either spray it numerous times with uruthane or paint many layers of it on. you have to wait until it dries between each application. it could take3 or4 days if you want it to look really nice

Answer 6

This works great, put on three coats

Plasti-Dip Spray
http://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Dip-Intl-11201-6-Plasti-Dip/dp/B0006SU31C