Everything posted thus far has been good information and spot on.
There are many ways to go about this.
1st. thing is you need to be comfortable and confident in your skills and what you choose to work with.
I would say take the cost estimate with a grain of salt and just remember how much you are saving doing the work yourself AND! the fact that most folks take more time to do And get it right more so than what you would get hiring the work done.
The epoxy/poly thing is a highly opinionated topic.
the guys that know... Know.
Also they know how to make it take and hold to complete a safe build. being safe is job 1.
For me... Personally.. I choose epoxy for structural and water "proofing" if there is such a thing.
But my stance on epoxy for me is the bond is usually stronger and more forgiving if you get temp challenges or surface prep issues. with the exception of water or oil contamination. (those are deal breakers for either)
If you get it half way right, epoxy most times is going to hold and seal.
Again, the guys that know can take polyester and run with it.
Use polyester anywhere you will have gel coat going back.
there are ways around with attention to detail.
but epoxy will bond to poly but poly doesn't bond well to epoxy in many cases, if you read about amine blush and how to keep that in check.
I most always dawn wash all "cured" epoxy between coats.(and let it dry)
Again read and learn and ask questions on these topics.
GM280 said it best. to me months ago. Its not rocket science.
But I will add there are many quirks to this restoration process.
Don't be in a hurry, and forget the completion date. Take your time, do it right, don't cut corners and forget about the rest.
My resto. is estimated at 2yrs. for example and thats probably "optimistic"
And as said earlier. There is a wealth of knowledge and help available here on this site.
This is a great group of helpful folks.
best of luck
There are many ways to go about this.
1st. thing is you need to be comfortable and confident in your skills and what you choose to work with.
I would say take the cost estimate with a grain of salt and just remember how much you are saving doing the work yourself AND! the fact that most folks take more time to do And get it right more so than what you would get hiring the work done.
The epoxy/poly thing is a highly opinionated topic.
the guys that know... Know.
Also they know how to make it take and hold to complete a safe build. being safe is job 1.
For me... Personally.. I choose epoxy for structural and water "proofing" if there is such a thing.
But my stance on epoxy for me is the bond is usually stronger and more forgiving if you get temp challenges or surface prep issues. with the exception of water or oil contamination. (those are deal breakers for either)
If you get it half way right, epoxy most times is going to hold and seal.
Again, the guys that know can take polyester and run with it.
Use polyester anywhere you will have gel coat going back.
there are ways around with attention to detail.
but epoxy will bond to poly but poly doesn't bond well to epoxy in many cases, if you read about amine blush and how to keep that in check.
I most always dawn wash all "cured" epoxy between coats.(and let it dry)
Again read and learn and ask questions on these topics.
GM280 said it best. to me months ago. Its not rocket science.
But I will add there are many quirks to this restoration process.
Don't be in a hurry, and forget the completion date. Take your time, do it right, don't cut corners and forget about the rest.
My resto. is estimated at 2yrs. for example and thats probably "optimistic"
And as said earlier. There is a wealth of knowledge and help available here on this site.
This is a great group of helpful folks.
best of luck
Last edited:
