Are all epoxy resins created equal?

[Bob S]

I am about to buy some epoxy resin and filler to fair my keel that got damaged when hauling my boat last fall. I was looking at West System epoxy and remembered reading many posts on this subject. I googled and came across System Three products which seem to be a little better in the pricing category. There are so many different filler how do you know which one to choose? Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[Ross]

Seems that folks are wary about answering questions that don't have easy answers. not all epoxies are equal neither are all fillers. To find the combination that will best suit your needs will require some research and some reading and then it will require some decision making. I fear that if I should make any recommendations someone will find errors in my answers. So I fear that you must use the resources of the internet and make your own decisions and live with your success or failure.

 

[Maine Sail]

Bob,

West, System Three, MAS are all good but all slightly different. I like West because I am used to it but I think MAS wets out better.

I also like Progressive Epoxy Polymers in NH. Paul sells top quality no-blush resin/hardener for a LOT less than you would pay for West, MAS or System Three.His web site is a little "old fashioned" but his products and knowledge are top notch.

For keel fairing I like Aerosil (cabosil, coloidal silica etc.) and some milled fibers but every one seems to have their own batter mix they like...

Progressive Epoxy Polymers (LINK)

 

[kenn]

I live close to Noah's Boatbuilding supplies, and when I needed epoxy, glass cloth and plywood for replacing a rotted bulkhead, they said that all the major epoxy brands would be satisfactory if mixed and used correctly.

I ended up buying EAST Systems epoxy mainly on price. I've gone through about half a gallon, and I haven't had a batch go bad or fail to harden properly. The mixing pumps were a good investment.

 

[MrBee]

I have used System 3 in the past and have RAKA on hand now. Both are fine to work with. I like the Raka because it is a simple 2 to 1 mix and due to no Odor I can use it in the basement. My guess is they are all good and work well.

Bee

 

[tommays]

I picked the MAS flag resin as its a bit thicker and i like the 2:1 mix and low VOC

And the containers make it easy to poor into a mix/measure cup

 

[Snotter]

I've used Raka for many years now. The stuff has never failed me.

 

[Bob S]

Ross, the last thing I want to do is start a debate. I spoke to West System's technical department and they recommended using their 105 with 207(hardener) and 407 a blended microballoon-based filler. I'm sure they're not steering me wrong but I am trying to educate myself and honestly, I've learned more from this site then anywhere else. I value your opinion as much as anyone's on this site and when there are different opinions we all learn.

I fear that you must use the resources of the internet and make your own decisions and live with your success or failure.

This will be my first experience fairing and I'm glad the end results will be under water.

 

[Maine Sail]

Ross, the last thing I want to do is start a debate. I spoke to West System's technical department and they recommended using their 105 with 207(hardener) and 407 a blended microballoon-based filler. I'm sure they're not steering me wrong but I am trying to educate myself and honestly, I've learned more from this site then anywhere else. I value your opinion as much as anyone's on this site and when there are different opinions we all learn.

This will be my first experience fairing and I'm glad the end results will be under water.

Bob,

I am surprised West technical support recommended microbaloons. They can absorb water and if not covered by another layer of epoxy or an epoxy barrier coat would be left exposed after sanding/fairing. They are easier to fair & sand with but ideally should be covered / sealed when done fairing to prevent moisture penetration.. This is why I prefer cabosil/milled fibers for below water..

Just a thought..

 

[sailingdog]

I'd second using Progressive Epoxy Polymers, which Maine Sail linked to. Paul's a good egg and quite knowledgeable about the boat building process.

 

[Paul356]

i like west system, but i don't know that there is a lot of difference among brands. a lot of it is personal preference and what you get used to, because each brand has a slightly different feel. you'll start to get comfortable knowing that if you mix x and y you'll get z, just like using a favorite screwdriver or hammer, i guess. marketing note: even tho west is sold at west marine now, it was developed separately by the gougeon brothers in michigan. the name similarity is a coincidence. seems to make a difference to some people, one way or the other.

 

[djplatt@cogeco.ca]

I have always used West epoxy. I think for your needs, the choice of filler will be more important that the brand of epoxy. For fairing I like colloidal silica.

 

[Ross]

I think that "WEST" was originally an acronim for "Wet Epoxy saturation Technique" . But I may not remember that correctly. They have been around for a long time. I got my first batch of epoxy directly from Shell Oil company.

Edited to change system to technique.

 

[Bob S]

I spoke to Paul this morning and he recommended Wet Dry 700 Epoxy paste thickened with Kevlar pulp. Thanks for the suggestions.

http://www.epoxyusa.com/Wet_Dry_700_epoxy_putty_p/te05.htm

 

[Stephen K]

I'd second using Progressive Epoxy Polymers, which Maine Sail linked to. Paul's a good egg and quite knowledgeable about the boat building process.

I haven't talked to Paul, but I have used Progressive Exopy products. I too was looking for good and reasonably priced epoxy for basic repairs and projects. The products worked well and I would buy and use their products again.

The web site was "quirky", but I finally figured out how to place an order while on the web site. I am looking to use some of their other products to coat my concrete garage floor...any recomendations are appreciated.

 

[sailingdog]

Call Paul and ask his advice.

I haven't talked to Paul, but I have used Progressive Exopy products. I too was looking for good and reasonably priced epoxy for basic repairs and projects. The products worked well and I would buy and use their products again.

The web site was "quirky", but I finally figured out how to place an order while on the web site. I am looking to use some of their other products to coat my concrete garage floor...any recomendations are appreciated.

 

[Snotter]

I think that "WEST" was originally an acronim for "Wet Epoxy saturation Technique" . But I may not remember that correctly. They have been around for a long time. I got my first batch of epoxy directly from Shell Oil company.

Edited to change system to technique.

...Developed by the gooze-on brothers

 

[Ross]

After searching my memory I realize that WEST is Wood Epoxy Saturation Technique.

 

[zeehag]

i buy epoxies from diversified materials corp--might have an online feature-they are located in el cajon kali--their stuff WORKS and has no brand name to mess with0--effective efficient and less expensive than brand name anythings--they are also good at recommending the kind of materials you may need for the job youre going to do -- very helpful and intelligent.....goood luck