I am contemplating trying two-part epoxy coating for an outdoor watercourse (about 10 feet). Has anybody tried this?I have one real water feature but don't wish the added maintenence of another.
What do you mean -- are you asking about coating the base of the water course with epoxy to prevent water loss, algae growth, etc., or using epoxy to represent the water?
Using epoxy to represent water. Thank you.
My thought is that it could possibly take hundreds of dollars worth of epoxy to build up an area of that size to look like it has depth -- not to mention that if you try to pour it on in layers of more than about 1/8 inch at a time it will shrivel and maybe even crack as it sets. Any areas that are not absolutely watertight it will soak iinto the ground and disappear, leaving a hole in your water.
I've tried it on an indoor HO scale layout, and those were the results using several different products.
Thank you. I had very good luck with an HO stream in epoxy. Careful painting of the base before application made 1/8" of epoxy look like deep water. Containment of the epoxy and a base for it would be problematic outdoors for sure.
I will probably go with another real water feature instead - investingating alternatives before the dive.
You might want to check the epoxy for UV resistance. Most are not in my understanding.
It's hard to make any clear material UV resistant.
Regards, Greg
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Greg Elmassian You might want to check the epoxy for UV resistance. Most are not in my understanding. It's hard to make any clear material UV resistant. Regards, Greg
Right you are! Most are NOT UV resistant. There is ONE that is UV resistant, it has one major drawback. COST. $10 per three cubic inch finished project!
Tom Trigg
Thanks all! I had not considered UV problems and where I live in New Mexico, it IS always a problem.
I'm thinking the only clear stuff might be either a urethane or other clear product used on boats, that are always in the sun. You might be able to build up layers and get a wet look.
I think it's going to be a tough one based on cost.
My experience with a polyurethane lake on an HO scale module was that it melted in the Arizona sun when placed outdoors.
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