Using a high build clearcoat on control panels

[spidermonkey]

Hey, Does anybody know where I can get this stuff called "Build 50" ? Its a high build clearcoat (not sure if its polyurathane or acrilic) used on wood. A couple of years ago a friend of a friend built this cofee table and the top of the table had like a 1/4 or 3/8" boarder around it. He covered the top with a bunch of pennies and then poured this clear stuff in untill it filled the top of the table untill it was flush with the lip that went around the edge of the table. I thought the penny idea was kinda strange but the clear stuff he poured over them looked awsome when it dried. It looked like the pennies were buried under a inch of glass. I think is was called "Build 50" but I'm not sure. Anyway, I was thinking of using this instead of lexan on my next control panel. I don't know how durable it is but if he was using it on a cofee table my guess is its pretty tough. I was thinking maybe adding a little colored pearl powder to it.(the stuff thats used in automotive finishes) I actually have a half a pill bottle of purple pearl from a previous paint job on my friends car. Am I on to anything here or is this not realistic? It sure looks awsome from the picture in my head. If anybody has heard of or used this stuff please post the results and where to get it.
S.M.

[StingMe]

After a quick search, the only references I found to it online were from the list archives of a tesla coil mailing list:

http://www.google.com/custom?q=build+50&sitesearch=www.pupman.com

Apparently Home Depot used to carry it..."Build 50 Super Gloss" made by Behr. It looks like it may have been discontinued, but you might try contacting them about it:

http://www.behrpaint.com

Otherwise, just look for a general purpose epoxy like:

http://www.tapplastics.com/fiberglass/epoxy_resins/18_general_epoxy.html

Good Luck!

[Xiaou2]

hmmm not sure the name... but i know that some craft shops do sell the stuff. (like for those glossy woodcut clocks)  Also, i believe its the same stuff they pour over the tops of bar-counter tops.  

  Its some sort of plastic or epoxy blend.  Very cool stuff... but probably pretty expensive as well ... also because you probably will need a lot of it.

 

 
 

[Brax]

Lee Valley has it. Here's the link.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?SID=&ccurrency=2&page=20029&category=1

[spidermonkey]

Thanks Brax. Thats just what I'm looking for