Types

• There are many types of epoxy, including fillers, adhesives, sealants and coatings. Most types of epoxy, except adhesive varieties, can be used for wood finishes. Sealant and coating epoxies are the most commonly used epoxies for wood finishing. Different types of epoxy compositions create different finishing effects. Epoxy finishes can be thick or thin depending on the desired uses of the wood products.
  
  

Function

• Epoxy wood finishes fill gaps, seal wood from moisture, create protective coatings against the elements and create decorative inlays. Boat builders use epoxy to create a water-tight seal around the entire body of the boat and add strength to the hull. An epoxy wood finish soaks deep into porous wood and fills open grain to completely seal and protect wood. Outdoor furniture also may have epoxy finishes to strengthen the wood and protect it from sunlight and water damage.
  
  

Features

• An epoxy wood finish can be thick, thin, shiny, dull, opaque or translucent depending on the type of epoxy used and the number of coats applied. Most epoxy finishes are water- and element-proof or resistant. An epoxy wood finish adds additional strength to the wood as it hardens and acts as a primer for varnish and other finishes. Wood epoxy finishes also can be colored to create inlays or cover up flaws. When dry, epoxy wood finishes resemble a hard plastic.
  
  

Benefits

• One of the main benefits of an epoxy wood finish is that it fills gaps and covers flaws as it seals the wood. This creates a stronger, more even finish. An epoxy finish also preserves wood longer than most finishes because of its sealant and strengthening properties. Another benefit to an epoxy wood finish is that it is strong and durable, which means it gets scuffed, dented and marred less than other finishes.
  
  

Other Applications

• An epoxy finish simultaneously can function as a finish and adhesive when parts of a project need to be glued and other parts need to be finished.