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What to use on a casted piece?

SA-Motors

SA-Motors

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Hi folks, I just did my first casting with epoxy to experiment with the process. I plan to do more and would love some advice on what finish to use that will adhere nicely to the wood and epoxy surfaces?

This particular piece is purple leaf plum with a few cracks that I casted with epoxy that I dyed in black. There is not much epoxy on this one, but soon I will cast some cholla that @Nubsnstubs sold me and some desert Ironwood from @shadetree_1 . These pieces will have a lot more epoxy surface.

In my shop I have water-based poly, wax free shellac, waterlox, conventional poly, and general finishes wood bowl finish. Will these work? But if there is a better product for this purpose I am willing to try it. Thanks!
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I know that oil based poly is used often over the top of "bar tops" to provide a more robust and scratch resistant surface. I would think water poly would be similar. All the finishes you mention should work. One caveat, don't sand to an extremely fine grit as these finishes will need a little tooth to mechanically bind to the surface.
 
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Thanks @trc65 for your advice! I sanded it to 600 grit on the lathe, then took it off the lathe and went over it with 0000 steel wool. Do you think this will give the finish something to bite on? Based on your belief that all of these options will work I’m thinking about using the general finishes wood bowl finish on this one. What do you think?

Anyone else have any input? Based on experiences finishing casted pieces?
 
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