anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

[lime4x4]

I'm use to west system epoxy. But i'm looking at using 6 to 8 gallons on my boat. So i'm looking for something a little cheaper. I've looked at iboats but they charge a hazard shipping fee. How do this other epoxies compare to west?

 

[erikgreen]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

I use US Composites epoxy.

Personally, the West is a little better quality... seems to be clearer, less viscous, etc.

US Composites is very good too, however, and I like it better than West because it's got no blushing and a slower kick time. The USC medium 638 epoxy takes about 45 min to kick in 70 degree temps if you spread it quickly. You can use a slower hardener in non blushing or the faster blushing hardener if you want, too.

I've never had a problem with USC products, epoxy or not, and I've used about 15-20 gallons of the stuff. Highly recommended, and comes well packed. Plus it's sooooo much cheaper than West.

Erik

 

[Robert4Winns]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

I use US Composites epoxy.
. . .
US Composites is very good too, however, and I like it better than West because it's got no blushing and a slower kick time. The USC medium 638 epoxy takes about 45 min to kick in 70 degree temps if you spread it quickly. You can use a slower hardener in non blushing or the faster blushing hardener if you want, too.
. . .
Erik

Please forgive my ignorance, but what do you mean by "blushing." I will also be buying epoxy soon and am considering either US Composites and System Three.

 

[andgott]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

I have switched from West Systems to U.S. composites myself. It was mainly an economical thing- U.S. Composites epoxy is a fraction of the cost of west Systems. It's tough to say if one is 'better' than another- I have noticed, like Erik mentions, that the U.S. composites stuff is a bit more viscous and not quite as clear (more of an amber color), but it wets out cloth beautifully, and as mentioned doesn't blush... I am sold on it!

Robert- 'Blush' refers to Amine blush- It is a "by product" of the epoxy curing, its a waxy substance on the surface. It HAS to be removed or the next layer won't adhere correctly. Clean water and a scrubbing takes care of it.

Some epoxies blush more than others- and some not at all.

 

[kenny26]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

I can't speak to their epoxy, but their shipping, packaging, cost, products are great. I'm using their 435 poly resin, and most of my glass and supplies from them.

 

[sprintst]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

MAS epoxy also has a non blushing epoxy as well.

I used East Systems epoxy which is a knockoff product that worked really well and was easy to work with. I'd love to try the non blushing products next time.

 

[TitanTea]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

Max Bond

 

[BigBoatinOkie]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

Is epoxy better that poly for decks?

 

[drewpster]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

I have been using US comp. products for the past two years or so. I have had a great experience with their stuff. (polyester and epoxy as well as cloths and everything else) Great company, great products, half the price on resin. Cant beat it.

I use polyester resin for major repairs. I use epoxy for minor stuff and surfacing. Picking which to use is going to depend on what you want the resin to do.

Epoxy is superior to polyester in many ways. It bonds better, its tougher, its more water tight than poly and so on... But you will pay for the privilege. It is generally more expensive then poly. That's why I stick with polyester for major build ups and coat with epoxy fairing compounds on surfaces I want to paint. If I am gelcoating then I stick with poly throughout.

Epoxy is more forgiving to novices like me, but it is simply to expensive for me to justify using it in a major repair.

 

[sbklf]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

Try RAKA, when I did my boat a couple of years ago they were very compatible in price. The owner will talk to you (I think his name is Larry). I agree that West is very expensive.

 

[Bondo]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

Try RAKA, when I did my boat a couple of years ago they were very compatible in price. The owner will talk to you (I think his name is Larry). I agree that West is very expensive.

I've looked at iboats but they charge a hazard shipping fee.

Ayuh,... I've been doing business with Larry at raka.com for awhile,...
Great prices on a Great product,+ decent shipping prices,+ times...

Btw,.... There should be No hazard fees on Epoxy,...
Only on Polyester...
Poly is Flamable, Epoxy is Not...

 

[lime4x4]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

well when i add the hardner to my order this is the messege i get from iboats


Shipping Method
Hazardous materials restrictions apply.
We are unable to calculate the shipping cost for these items. Please call customer service for a shipping quote.
We are unable to calculate the shipping costs. Please call customer service for a shipping quote.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

You shouldn't get that with epoxy hardener. Are you ordering poly resin?

Erik

 

[clockwatcher]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

Great info. Thanks. Does anyone know if US Composites or Raka will help with a material schedule?

 

[Bondo]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

Great info. Thanks. Does anyone know if US Composites or Raka will help with a material schedule?

Ayuh,... Go to raka.com,+ have a look around,... Lot's of Info there....

 

[Ken G]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

For my current project I've been using marinepoxy from Boat Builder Central. I've also ordered different fiberglass cloth, fillers, and a few tools from them. Prices are competitive, shipping is reasonable, and the service has been outstanding. If I order online in the evening the order generally ships the next day.

If you call or email Joel he will work up a complete material list if needed.

 

[lime4x4]

Re: anyone use us composite epoxy or marine epoxy?

I get the hazard material fee when adding the west system 205 hardner. I was planing on installing my transom this weekend. I have about a quart of west system left. I was going to just get another quart in case i needed more. I can order from iboats and i usually have the next day. If i order us somposites or marine epoxy it's 3 to 4 days shipping time