Polyester Resin Question

[SeaStar69]

I'm going to be replacing the flooring in my 14' FG runabout this winter. I was curious what you folks are paying for resin and where you're getting it from. Also, should I get it with or without wax? I'm planning on putting down two plies of 1.5 oz CSM and gluing marine vinyl on top of it.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Mike Lammert]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

Hello Jim, welcome! While I'm no expert, I think US Composites seems to be the go to on this forum...so check there if you haven't yet. Good luck to you, and post some pics so we can all be a part of your project!

 

[Mike Lammert]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

By the way, I got mine from fiberglasssite.com, which is closer to you so cheaper shipping, but a little more for the resin itself.

 

[oops!]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

I think US Composites seems to be the go to on this forum...

at this moment......heh heh heh

welcome to iboats seastar !

best place on the net for boating questions.

first off......poly resin is usually laminated with out wax......wax is a top coat only. if any other thing (besides carpet) is applied to waxed resin....it will not bond.

us comp sells 435 laminating resin.....that is the stuff.
for the top layer of resin/fibreglass....you can add wax.....it is sold as airdry.

air....inhibits (stops) the cure of poly resin so if you use the 435....do a section, and come back a day or two later....it will still be a little sticky....the top is not cured.
treating with wax in the resin....will make it cure hard and also it will also give another water barrier to the glass.

i would also add a layer of 6 oz woven roving over the 2 layers of csm...you need a minimum of 8 oz on the deck for durability.

dont forget to glass UNDER the deck.

 

[zopperman]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

at this moment......heh heh heh

welcome to iboats seastar !

best place on the net for boating questions.

first off......poly resin is usually laminated with out wax......wax is a top coat only. if any other thing (besides carpet) is applied to waxed resin....it will not bond.

us comp sells 435 laminating resin.....that is the stuff.
for the top layer of resin/fibreglass....you can add wax.....it is sold as airdry.

air....inhibits (stops) the cure of poly resin so if you use the 435....do a section, and come back a day or two later....it will still be a little sticky....the top is not cured.
treating with wax in the resin....will make it cure hard and also it will also give another water barrier to the glass.

i would also add a layer of 6 oz woven roving over the 2 layers of csm...you need a minimum of 8 oz on the deck for durability.

dont forget to glass UNDER the deck.

Actually oops, the forum (WOG) generally recommends 404 tooling resin... it's better than the 435, but I used the 435 because of $$$

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

Well.... I USED to recommend 404 but since have changed to the 435 too!
Here's a diagram of how I recommend fabricating your deck.

Click the pic to Enlarge

 

[zopperman]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

Well.... I USED to recommend 404 but since have changed to the 435 too!
Here's a diagram of how I recommend fabricating your deck.

Click the pic to Enlarge

View attachment 122918

Any reason? I know Cadwelder usually says 404 too... just price?

Don't mean to put words in your mouth!!!!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

After researching it more, and talking with the Owner of USC, they convinced me that the 435 would be MORE than adequate for the needs of the guys here on the forum. The 404 gives better stregth qualities and higher heat tolerances but for most of us that is not a critical factor. Either one will work but for the money 435 is the way to go. Again that IS JMHO!!!!

 

[sasto]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

I would never...EVER...buy resin with wax.

We have always added our own...when needed...and the proper amount.

 

[SeaStar69]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

Thanks for the replies. I'm still not sure about the wax part, though. Is that a cure agent? Do I need to use any at all? Here's a picture of what I've been working on: View attachment 122947

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

Wax is an additive that is ONLY used in the last and final layer of the resin. It seals the resin and gives it a better waterproofing character. Takes away the stickiness. SATO is right, NEVER buy resin with the wax already in it. The 435 resin from USC does NOT have it. You will have to buy it for the final coat. You do NOT have to use it. Lot's of guys on her Never do. I like to use it IF I'm goint to paint over the glass or Carpet over it. If not, then don't use it.

 

[BWT]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

Personally I like to skip wax all-together and seal the resin up with gelcoat (mixed with Duratec). No wax, no hassle, nice dry sanding, and most important; a full cure

~BWT

 

[zopperman]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

Personally I like to skip wax all-together and seal the resin up with gelcoat (mixed with Duratec). No wax, no hassle, nice dry sanding, and most important; a full cure

~BWT

I use wax in my last layer of gel.

 

[SeaStar69]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

My plans are to paint the interior sides of the hull and glue vinyl to the floor. So, the only new resin that's going to see paint is a couple of inches of tabbing above the floor. In the comments above, it looks like wax might negatively impact the adhesion of the vinyl but benefit the adhesion of the paint?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[BWT]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

As long as it's sanded and cleaned w/acetone after cure it shouldn't make any difference. The only reason wax is added to the top/final coat is to seal the surface from air allowing a full cure. When fully cured it sands better (doesn't gum up the paper), has better adhesion ability when correctly prepped and better water proofing properties... This can be done a number of ways; I mentioned using gelcoat mixed with duratec additive (no wax), zopperman uses gel mixed with wax, and others use the same resin they put the glass down with but with wax added for a 'cure coat'. As long as the laminating resin is able to be sealed from the air using any of these methods it will fully cure.

~BWT

 

[oops!]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

thanks bwt ^^^^ the above is correct....

air inhibits the cure of resin, and wax allows it to dry. as well it adds waterproofing characteristics.

woody, glad you switched over.

as well as sasto.......i do not buy waxed resin......i add my own. no point in keeping an extra 5 gallon pail around that you con only use once in a blue moon

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

Any reason? I know Cadwelder usually says 404 too... just price?

Don't mean to put words in your mouth!!!!

I just like the 404 better (personal opinion), but have since started buying a laminating resin from a local supplier. Nothing wrong with US Composites stuff, just the price and cost of shipping. Still buy from them if I need small quainities, commercial suppliers only sell gelcoat, resin, etc in 5 gallons or 55 gallons, and cloth in full rolls only.

 

[73Chrysler105]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

I have bought all my epoxy resin and expanding foam from Aero Marine Products www.aeromarineproducts.com For epoxy it was quite inexpensive. I got my 20oz fiberglass cloth on ebay and also got my marine blue vinyl there as well. Planning on getting exterior grade plywood for the stringers and floor going with 3/4" for all.

I got the 2 gallon kit of foam and 3 gallon kit of resin I am thinking I might need more resin with a couple other minor things Total cost with shipping was something like $300.

 

[Mike Lammert]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

I have bought all my epoxy resin and expanding foam from Aero Marine Products www.aeromarineproducts.com For epoxy it was quite inexpensive. I got my 20oz fiberglass cloth on ebay and also got my marine blue vinyl there as well. Planning on getting exterior grade plywood for the stringers and floor going with 3/4" for all.

I got the 2 gallon kit of foam and 3 gallon kit of resin I am thinking I might need more resin with a couple other minor things Total cost with shipping was something like $300.

I really guess it depends where you live as well. I got the first half of my foam from Aeromarine, and my second half from US Composites. Since I live in Florida, the ground shipping from Aeromarine (west coast) took 7 days, where as it came in 1 day from US Composites, and quite a bit cheaper. ($36 for 2 cu/ft vs. $21.50)

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Polyester Resin Question

I bought my resin and FG at US Composites. They are 20 miles from me, so I picked it up and avoided shipping. But now, I'm getting my products from Fiberglass Coatings , Inc in Fort Lauderdal (15 miles from me). They have a huge retail showroom and have been extremely helpful.

Wood, I have a question on your diagram. Since I was under the impression cloth was best for the finish layer, why do you put a layer of csm over it?