Jan, a knowledgeable guy at my local West Marine store suggested I use a graphic epoxy for the bottom surface of my CLC Mill Creek. CLC now recommends the same in their shop notes. I used it and was very pleased. Don't know about the UV issue -- perhaps West Systems customer service or tech manuals have an answer on that. The finished surface does feels somewhat like varnish, although harder (varnish remaining somewhat soft for several months). Cost is not significant: a little graphite in the epoxy went a long way (I did the entire kayak bottom, 3 coats, and still have lots left over from the pint sized container of graphic that I bought). The graphite increases the viscosity of the epoxy slightly, but not detrimentally. It has an appealing, shiney jet black appearance. Requires multiple coats to get good opaqueness, unless you go on very thick (in which case evenness may be a problem). One downside: it does scuff and scratch and, like all dark colors, shows that in a way that varnish would not. Easily touched up with more epoxy, though, in a way that paint and varnish are not.

Hope that helps.

> They say Graphite in the epoxy will give as much UV protection as
> needed,even without varnish. Correct?

> Will this graphit/epoxy be safe for clothes, or may clothes be black
> because of it?

> Will the graphit/epoxy surface feel like varnish when handling it?

> Be aware: Looks is no issue here. A black boat will not be safe (difficult
> to see for motorboat drivers), but one may put some lime colored plastic
> on (ths stuff used for marketing on car varnish, may be ripped off when
> not wanted...)

> Is cost high for graphite to put in epoxy?

> Is there an alternative to graphite available?

> Reason for questions: On a prototype I would like to go paddle before
> haveing sanded thoroughly. No varnish will enable sanding to be a "a
> now and then job".

> Jan Gunnar