Cork decoys

Glenn~


Yes, you could use epoxy resin to coat cork decoys. I typically use Spar Varnish - but epoxy would certainly provide a tougher skin. With either, you need to manage the drips and runs that happen before full cure, especially with epoxy. I usually hang my birds tail down during the cure. With either sealer, I wipe the inevitable big drop that collects at the point of the tail while the material has not yet hardened.


Either sealer needs to be scuff sanded (80-grit is fine) before applying paint - always more work with epoxy. The epoxy would also need to be washed with warm water to remove any amine blush - which prevents paint adhesion.



Restle coating (or similar treatments with ground walnut shells etc) do a great job of reducing shine BUT be aware that the rough surface will hold fine mud and can be very tough to clean. I have had to repaint some decoys that had been exposed to clay-like mud.


All the best,


SJS





 
In the past we would use a product called Val Oil or Gym floor sealer and mix with fine sawdust and make a paste to fill the voids on black cork. Both products are not produced anymore. I have not done many corks recently so dont have an alternative . Maybe spar would work in the paste mixture
 
If you use resin, thin it down so it soaks in better and to flow into all the nooks and crannies..
I used coal tar epoxy once years ago, and while it looked like it completely covered, it didn't quite get into all the cracks and thus soaked up water...
 
Steve do you thin your spar on first coat to get good penetration? That method always seemed to work for me on corks.
 
Roy~


Yes, I put on 2 coats IF the cork is especially dry and open-pored. The first is thinned with paint thinners, the second is brushed on straight.


All the best,


SJS

 
Steve is correct. Al McCormick used a paste made from cork sawdust and spar varnish to smooth the bodies on his cork decoys.


Joe
 
Thanks for the corroboration, Joe!


Will you be bringing a vessel to the Duckboat Show on the 30th? I look forward to seeing you.


All the best,


SJS


 
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