Epoxy resin selection

Evinrude Boater

Evinrude Boater

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Jul 6, 2004
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1,144
My local marine supply house sells West System epoxy for about $150 CDN a gallon. :eek: Pretty steep if you ask me. Is there a difference between "marine" epoxy and other laminating epoxies that will make a difference in the results?
 
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petrolhead

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Oct 16, 2003
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Re: Epoxy resin selection

I used WEST because it's available in my area and I'm familiar with it. But recently I used another slightly cheaper brand (forget the name) that was on special at the marina and it worked OK, mind you I mostly used it for epoxy coating the inside of my boat and a bit of glueing, not for laminating the outside which I'd already done.<br />I've since found several mail order places that do cheaper epoxy still, I'll probably give it a try sometime, I don't see there can be very much difference.
 
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Rudderman

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jan 14, 2004
Messages
283
Re: Epoxy resin selection

I used West as well. I don't think theres gonna be a whole lot of difference in the prices so I'd just go with whatever is the easiest to get near you.
 
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crab bait

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Feb 5, 2002
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Re: Epoxy resin selection

west systems is very high dollar an is good stuff but people 'in-the-know' laugh at the high priced mess..<br /><br />west systems has the market an rank amaetures buy into it cause they don't know better.. <br /><br />the web is full of good epoxy.. the best are a 1 to 1 mix ratio.. or closest to..<br /><br />go 'goggle'.. try clark-craft in upper ny state.. 1 to 1 mix.. good stuf,, good price
 
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petrolhead

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Re: Epoxy resin selection

Glen-L do their own brand epoxy 5:1 mix laminating resin, and a 1:1 mix adhesive version too. I don't know how their prices compare to other brands in the US, but by UK prices for WEST etc... it certainly looks cheap. I just wish it was available here at those prices!
 
Boomyal

Boomyal

Supreme Mariner
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Aug 16, 2003
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Re: Epoxy resin selection

I paid $38. a quart for West system epoxy and hardner. When I placed my main supply order with US Composites, I paid 41.25 a gallon. Factoring in the freight, it came out to about $51 a gallon. a huge difference. Also West thickener was about $7 a quart. US Compositites was 6.95 for 5 quarts. They shipped quick too. Worst part for me, I am about as far away from them as you can get and still be in the continental US. Freight cost would probably be less to Mid or Eastern US. <br /><br />I'm not sure how all the pricing would work out for Canadians.
 
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18rabbit

Captain
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Nov 14, 2003
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3,202
Re: Epoxy resin selection

The way manf works is that expensive substances are often made in a very limited number of facilities. It is very expensive to build a production plant and manf to EPA rules, especially if toxic chemicals are part of the process. Several brands of marine paints are made in the same factory. I imagine it is the same with epoxy. I won’t be surprised if several of the 5:1 epoxies are the same product from the same facility or the same formula licensed to other manufacturers. Same with the 1:1 stuff.<br /><br />Another thing about epoxy is its adhesive properties. 3M spends tens-of-millions of $$$ studying the stuff. It is a true phenomenon…why do things ‘stick’??? Lots of theory and speculation but no one knows exactly why adhesives adhere. If you find a formula for something that works well, you’d patent it.<br /><br />Also keep in mind the marine industry is small. Almost nothing is made especially for boats…it is almost always an item with a broader use in another industry at a less expensive price. Epoxy as a key component of boat manf may be an exception.
 
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ThomWV

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Dec 19, 2003
Messages
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Re: Epoxy resin selection

I've been using Raka for years. Its not overly expensive (I buy the 6 quart kit about once a year for general repairs and such) but I don't know how much it would be with the exchange rates jumping all over hell and gone as the US dollar goes into collapse. At any rate the last bunch I bought which included a gallon of resin and then a quart of fast and a quart of slow set hardners (use either or mix to control set time) cost me right at $75 delievered.<br /><br />Oh, if you buy from him make sure to order the mixing pumps. They are worth their weight on gold. He also sells all manner of glass, in cluding Kevlar, toos, and all at very reasonable prices. I have no problem at all recommending him. By the way, if you need some help figguring out what it is you really need he will help you out in that way too. Real nice guy who is happy to answer questions and make good recommendations as far as I ever saw.<br /><br />Thom
 
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crab bait

Captain
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Feb 5, 2002
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Re: Epoxy resin selection

well,, the 1 to 1 is just easier to mix an easier to get right.. that alone is reason enuff..!!<br /><br />but a 1 to 1 doesn't have 'amine blush' ( wax ) after cure.. which another coat can be layered on without wax removal..<br /><br />an 1 to 1 is just better cause it has more purer solids , safer to use healthwise <br /><br />only drawback ,, only has one kind (speed ) hardener.. which is fine.. 20 min. at 90 deg f...
 
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BillP

Captain
Joined
Aug 10, 2002
Messages
3,290
Re: Epoxy resin selection

I think the cheapest epoxy is better than the best polyester you can find. All epoxies glue and gap fill way better than polyester. I use a generic 3:1 epoxy from Florida Fiberglass, our local resin supplier. Earlier this year the cost was $95 for 3 gal pkg and I've used 13 gals without a problem. They told me fuel prices were driving resin cost up last time I was there. It may not be as strong as WEST but I don't need it for stringers and floors. I'd rather bulk up the laminations with cheaper resin.<br /><br />If you use a 1:1 you may want to check with the mfg about blushing. I used Reichold 1:1 and it blushed...same as their 5:1.
 
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hoot22

Recruit
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Sep 22, 2004
Messages
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Re: Epoxy resin selection

You might try here. I have used 20 gals building 2 boats and is very good epoxy. 2:1 ratio.<br />Same formula as system three.<br /><br /> http://boatbuildercentral.com/products.php?id=3 <br /><br />I think they sell in Europe also..good people.<br />I didn't read previous post.. Ditto...good products for boat building and repair.<br /><br />My three cents......<br /><br />Hoot
 
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