Best clear epoxy for inlays

[Greg M]

The Loctite stuff I've tried is actually a little yellow, which isn't what I'm after. I need a good clear epoxy for some inlay work, one that gets super hard since it will be about the size of a sharkfin position marker.

What is a good available brand you've used with good results? Thanks all.

 

[Tom Pettingill]

I've used some house branded BSI Finish Cure epoxy from the local hobby store that was very clear.

 

[chippertheripper]

West System will also cure with an amberish hue, so stay away from that too.

 

[piece of ash]

A lot of guys save some fretboard dust and mix it with the inlay epoxy. This does 2 things: 1) kills some of the gloss, 2) matches the epoxy colorwise.

 

[LocustPlague]

I think the OP is referring to using the epoxy itself as the inlay, as opposed to gluing in inlay?

 

[piece of ash]

 

[Nick JD]

Ideally, you are looking for a surfboard epoxy resin. These are designed to be (and stay) clear.

Finding this stuff in a small quantity in Virginia? Not sure.

If the epoxy is going onto a darkish background (wood) then it can be really very yellow before it'll be noticable.

The big issue here is that you want a resin, not a glue.

 

[Colt W. Knight]

I think all the two part stuff I have used has had a tad bit of amber.

 

[Nick JD]

This is the stuff you are looking for.

(link removed)

 

[piece of ash]

That epoxy probably has good UV blocker in it. Straight up epoxy does not fair well against UV.

 

[Greg M]

I'm going to mix in crushed MOP to recreate the look of the Rickenbacker inlays from years ago. Did some more web searching today and it seems that instead of epoxy, there is a 2 part polyester concoction that may work better. I found some at Dick Blick online. We'll see how it comes out.

Thanks for the responses.

 

[woodturner]

I'm going to mix in crushed MOP to recreate the look of the Rickenbacker inlays from years ago. Did some more web searching today and it seems that instead of epoxy, there is a 2 part polyester concoction that may work better. I found some at Dick Blick online. We'll see how it comes out.

Thanks for the responses.

I've used Water Clear Polyester Casting Resin for inlays over the years with great results. In the basic form it pours easily and can be tinted as well.

Poly based casting resin is designed to not surface harden so that successive layers will bond. Depriving the exposed surface of oxygen causes the surface to harden. Surfacing agents are readily available and inexpensive. Plastic wrap works as well.

There are many sources out there. Here are a few.

http://www.delviesplastics.com/casting_resin.htm
http://www.dickblick.com/products/castincraft-clear-polyester-casting-resin/
(link removed)
http://www.delviesplastics.com/mm5/...GY&Store_Code=DPI&Category_Code=Casting_Resin


Regards,