Glass vs Epoxy

[jigngrub]

So what's the difference between "glassing in" a deck and just using epoxy resin instead? Is it the cost of the epoxy?

 

[kahuna123]

Re: Glass vs Epoxy

This is a pretty good article


http://www.redrockstore.com/resin.htm

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Glass vs Epoxy

This is a pretty good article


http://www.redrockstore.com/resin.htm

Yea... but .. that article is about Kevlar and Carbon fiber with resins. Not really our application in most boats.

The biggest difference is cost vs. quantity.

You can use epoxy to coat and tab your deck. You dont NEED to glass (Mat) your deck if your using epoxy ( though I would glass the deck no matter what myself ). Poly or VE resin you have to glass the whole deck.

There are variables to cost vs. quantity. What wood you use is going to determine how much resin your going to need. You could end up spending more with epoxy if your using Thirsty wood.

There is also the topcoat. If you plan on using gelcoat in any part of the deck build then you can forget about using epoxy.

There are many pros and cons with each. .. like epoxy does not smell ( your wife might like this idea if your doing your resto in the garage ) .. things like that.

YD.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Glass vs Epoxy

So what's the difference between "glassing in" a deck and just using epoxy resin instead? Is it the cost of the epoxy?

"Glassing in a deck" means you used glass with either polyester, VE or epoxy resin. If you use just epoxy resin then there is no glass.

Now for the answer to the question I think you were actually asking.

Epoxy is a stronger resin and costs more, is it needed to make a successful repair in most situations...no...but it is tougher.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Glass vs Epoxy

You would still "tab" your deck to your hull right ? ( sorry I dont do epoxy so more explanation would be helpful )

As far as NO glass on the ply when using epoxy .. what happens when you have a 250lb friend that looses a step and happens to fall on a large open floor area ?

I am NOT trying to start an argument with the epoxy only deck thing .. but I have seen some Big boys enter a boat that will flex a glassed deck not to mention a Non-glassed deck .

YD.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Glass vs Epoxy

I'm not into the epoxy only idea on a deck either, far too many things get dropped that can easily destroy a layer or or two of epoxy.

 

[oops!]

Re: Glass vs Epoxy

why wouldnt you?.... i mean.....you are there.....you are going thru all the motions any how.......why not just throw the glass down and get 10x the stregnth of epoxy alone?

on a small edge part somewhere....i could see just epoxy resin coating.....but for a deck?.....nope.....add the glass

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Glass vs Epoxy

It's kinda the same principle as wire mesh and re-bar when pouring concrete. EH!!!!!

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Glass vs Epoxy

Ok, that's what I mainly figured... direct out of pocket cost.

I had noticed in different threads that some folks go with glass and polyester and others just epoxy.

To me, it seems like it would be about the same after you figure in your labor for doing the glass... but if you have more time than money I can see that too.

As for "why wouldn't I throw down the glass mat while doing the epoxy?" I used to insulate houses for a living back in my younger days and if I never have to touch another piece of raw fiberglass again it'll be too soon!

Thanks for the replies.