Summary for strong flexible clear coat Discussion
Strong flexible clear coat is the goal for bamboo poles that will be used as walking sticks and exposed to below-freezing temperatures. The questioner says several urethane spray cans have flaked off and asks for a thick, clear dip coating that will fully cover the surface while staying flexible. The thread excerpt does not include a full answer, but it does mention Zinsser Sanding Sealer as a possible product reference. Based on the available text, the key issue is finding a finish that can handle stress and cold without cracking or peeling, rather than simply building a thicker film. No detailed recommendations or tested results are shown in the excerpt, so the discussion appears incomplete.
Q. I am looking to put a strong, long lasting clear coat finish on bamboo poles that will be stressed as walking sticks. They will also be used in temps well below freezing. I have tried a few urethane spray cans but they seems to flake off. I am open to all suggestions, I was picturing a thick clear dip that would really coat the surface but stay flexible.
Thanks.
Adam Dentz
hobbyist – North Bend, Washington, USA
October 1, 2009
A. Because of Bamboo’s smooth outer layer, oil based urethanes won’t stick well, but you could try a catalyzed lacquer or conversion varnish like Duravar. These will stick better to the Bamboo. The only problem is that none of this are extremely flexible. Pre-Cat lacquer can be found in aerosols, and you might get a vinyl sanding sealer as well which is recommended under the catalyzed lacquers…
www.pondcovepaint.com/content/page/catalog_product/id/409/E_Z_Vinyl_Sealer.html
www.pondcovepaint.com/content/page/catalog_product/id/144/Pre_Catalyzed_Clears_Sealer.html
Greg Scholl
– Middlebury, Vermont