poly vs. epoxy

[ljshein]

Re: poly vs. epoxy

Seems like a highly passionate topic!<br /><br />I'm working on my first project and originally thought I would use epoxy... then I met John <br /><br />John is an older guy that works for PolyGard here in Atlanta. They distribute industrial fiberglass products. He's been in the industry for as long as fiberglass has been a product. The guy spent almost 3 hours giving me advice on boat restoration. In a nutshell he tells me:<br /><br />1. the hull is made of poly, once you add epoxy you can never go back.<br />2. for an 18 foot boat, poly is more then strong enough.<br />3. Poly is less expensive.<br />4. for the typical restoration, there is nothing epoxy can do that poly can't.<br /><br />I've made a few repairs already with the poly and getting ready to set the stringers back in and I'm pleased with the results.<br /><br />I think both work, it's what is in your budget and how passionate you feel about one or the other.<br /><br />Jeff

 

[KRS]

Re: poly vs. epoxy

His only question was:<br /><br />quote:<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Originally posted by ry3100:<br />...could i have used epoxy and got a lasting result? <br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />I think the answer is yes... we all agree that epoxy gives lasing results.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: poly vs. epoxy

KRS<br /><br />I think he meant to use the word poly not epoxy in that sentence. The other two comments on poly are incorrect also, it is less affected by UV light than epoxy and while not as "waterproof" as epoxy, marine grade polyester resin does just fine underwater.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: poly vs. epoxy

Originally posted by ondarvr:<br /> KRS<br /><br />I think he meant to use the word poly not epoxy in that sentence. The other two comments on poly are incorrect also, it is less affected by UV light than epoxy and while not as "waterproof" as epoxy, marine grade polyester resin does just fine underwater.

Yes one would think as much, Its been in use for how many years now..... The only quality epoxy seems to bring its its forgiveness of a sloppy prep job or better said its universal adheision qualities

 

[ry3100]

Re: poly vs. epoxy

WOW, I'M STICKING WITH EPOXY SEEMS TO BE THE BETTER PRODUCT IT IS A 23' SEA FARING BOAT. I WANT THE GOOD STUFF FOR IT.tHANKS FOR ALL THE INPUT!!!

 

[Chief101]

Re: poly vs. epoxy

ry, a professional would use poly resin because he will have the knowledge ane experience get the job done efficeintly. That means that for much less cost and in much less time he can make someone's boat look like new and function better than new. For someone doing a onetime job the epoxy is much less technical to use and more forgiving in cases of poor preperation, planning, and application. Since you are going to use epoxy use the best marine epoxy you can buy, I would start by researching "westsystem.com" brand. Chief

 

[surlyjoe]

Re: poly vs. epoxy

teh real advantage of using epoxy for repairs is the strength of the bond to the existing layup, no matter how hard you try, you will never get anything but a mechanical bond to the original layup. epoxy has a much better mechanichal bond than poly or vinyl ester.<br /><br />this is also why you dont want to do transoms from the outside in, once you have cut the plug, its never going to be one peice again, it will always have the transom "glued" to teh back