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Before the rig goes up, I want to clear coat the CF. What did y'all use?

Reason I ask, the cheap part of me doesn't feel like shelling out 40 bux for a 0.66 pint of 207 hardener from which I'll use about 1/2 of it and then it will sit around for the next two decades. West says it would still require a coating of varnish anyway.

so what the hell? I ask you: what the HELL??

--Grouchy

Automotive clear coat could be a good option. I have been reading that high end builders use it on their wood work/exposed carbon fiber,,,,, and it lasts a lot longer then varnish, the article I read said up to 15 years over wood.

Sorry Tim, I'm no help on clearing. I went the primer and epoxy white rattle can route.

I'll check out the automotive stuff, thanks!

Jray, did you sand the entire thing before you went with the primer?

Since PolyU is the operative UV blocking ingredient, would not standard Rust-Oleum polyurethane spray work as well as anything? Or even Krylon Clear Polyurethane?

hit the pole with some 220, couple rattle cans, boom we're done here, right? (I don't know jack about clear-coating, clearly)

Prep before primer was soapy water and a scotch bright pad. Didn't have any issues with the primer or paint.

Even better! The less sanding I do over the course of the next 20 years, the better.

Thanks jray!

How often do you when to refinish the clear coat? I think the rattle cans won't give you but three years of protection. I'd call the awlgrip help line and research the new awlclear product they are offering. That stuff is certain to last 3 to 4 times longer than the rattle can idea.

Not sure about rattle can clear. I painted mine white. Each spring I touch up whatever areas need it. It would be harder to tell the condition of a clear coat. I'm trying to remember the reason C-Tech suggested coating. UV protection comes to mind. You might drop them a e-mail for suggestions.

Correct, UV doesn't hurt CF, but it degrades the epoxy holding the CF together. I am going to use Rust-Oleum PolyU spar varnish. Cheap and brushes on. As far as the long term, I'm using dyneema standing rigging and I plan to take the mast down often to inspect for chafe. So no worries there.