Once the metal panel is clean, Bickford mixes his two-part marine
epoxy using a scale to ensure he has the exact mix dictated by the
epoxy’s manufacturer. With the epoxy mixed, he uses a single-use sponge
roller to roll the epoxy onto the metal panel. According to Bickford,
brushes will not evenly apply the epoxy to the level required.
After the epoxy has been applied to the metal panel, the veneer can be
laid over the top. To hold the two parts together, Bickford tapes the
pieces together at the top and the bottom, then inserts them in the
vacuum press for 24 hours.
When the panels come out of the vacuum press, signs of the epoxy
coming through the wood veneer are visible as little specks. Rather than
sand these specks off, Bickford lightly glides a cabinet scraper across the
top of the veneer to remove the signs of the epoxy. Once they are
smooth and free of specks, the panels can be finished.
Bickford strictly follows the mixing directions on the epoxy
manufacturer’s label using a scale to ensure the proper ratio.A disposable roller is used to evenly apply the epoxy to the metal
panel. Brushes do not spread the epoxy evenly enough, and the