> Thank for the response!

> So am I to understand then that the best scratch resisitant hull is just
> to stain the wood and then give it a clear epoxy finish? If so does that
> mean the fiberglass cloth normally used on the outside is now on the
> inside? After your l posting mentioning the avenues of achieving a better
> paint coat sealent, Im leaning heavily now with just letting the wood
> show. What does one do tho with that fiberglass cloth that is saturated
> with epoxy? We omit this when showing woodgrain or do we put the cloth in
> the interior? Again, ofcourse , i havent begun the process yet. Bottom
> line is that scratched epoxy im sure is a lot easier on the eyes then
> paint removed from abrasion.

> Again thanks!!

> Best Always ,

> Pete

Fiberglass cloth, when wet out with epoxy becomes clear, so the wood grain shows through. Be careful using stain before you put on epoxy, OIL-BASED STAINS AND EPOXY DON'T MIX. There are stains that might work, but the natural color of the wood is very nice without staining. It will darken a little with the application of a good U.V. filtered varnish. In my opinion leave the hull unpainted and varnish with a good quality spar varnish at least once a year, you'll have a more beautiful kayak than if you paint the hull.

Mike