: Tinting epoxy is pretty easy. I've tried a few methods (laser
: toner, graphite powder, dyes) and the most effective has been
: the SystemThree colorants. Very, very concentrated. I think the
: black is the cheapest of the colors. I've also used the blue
: colorant, and in very small amounts it tints the epoxy but
: leaves it transparent. It looks pretty cool on something like a
: carbon Greenland paddle.

: Downsides of tinting epoxy in this application:
: -makes it more difficult to see if you have good wet-out of the
: glass
: -makes scratches more difficult to see...if I scratch through to
: the wood, I want to know about it and repair it pronto.

: Since you are painting your BP black, you will need a very good
: surface prep. I'd recommend the WEST fairing additives, and that
: would be the place where I'd add the black tint. The Microlight
: fairing additive is a light brown color, and will be revealed by
: scratches. (BTW, if you live in a hot climate, think twice about
: using the Microlight under black paint, as it will fail if it
: gets too hot. Check the WEST product info.)

: And, tint your primer as well.

: John

John:

Some good points were raised - thanks. I thought I had some colourant locally available but such is not the case. I was wondering if inkjet printer ink would work? I used it with great success before to make black Aquaseal!!

I like your issue with black "all-throughout" making it hard to see the deep scratches that would need tending to!! Defintely something to think about.

I can certainly see the black epoxy making it harder during wet out as well.

I've been spending a fair bit of time/effot on getting the hull smooth and free of most imperfections because I know as soon as that black gloss hits the surface, any/all humps, bumps and dips will stand out like sore thumbs!!

http://justyakkin2.blogspot.com/

Cheers and thanks,
Sean