Which Epoxy Resin Do I Use?

R

rxb902

Cadet
Joined
Sep 21, 2011
Messages
7
Joined not too long ago, and have been reading ever since. This Forum has provided excellent technical information for me. So much so, I am confused (not difficult to do). I am planning to remove a wooden transom in my aluminum boat (78 Starcraft Mariner) and replace it with Marine Plywood (two 3/4" pieces), epoxied and painted. Now the confused part, which epoxy resin system/manufacturer (US, Clark Craft, etc.) is best? Or, is this a personal preference thing?

Appreciate any advice that follows.
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Which Epoxy Resin Do I Use?

I got mine from Clark Craft and was pleased with the product. I ended up a little short and got some from a friend who had ordered some stuff from ebay. That was crap!

Welcome to the forum, we'd sure love to see your Starcraft project.
 
jasoutside

jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: Which Epoxy Resin Do I Use?

Best? Yah, you'll likely get some mixed answers there. West System seems to be at or near the top of a list like that ($$$ though).

Here's what I used and am quite happy with the results...
P1020168.jpg


A bunch of the guys around here also really like Clarkcraft too.

Cheers:)
 
73Chrysler105

73Chrysler105

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 10, 2009
Messages
407
Re: Which Epoxy Resin Do I Use?

I got mine from Aeromarine and although I havent used it on my boat yet I have used it on a few smaller projects and it works great.
 
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,422
Re: Which Epoxy Resin Do I Use?

Ayuh,.... If yer into epoxy, I use www.raka.com outa Florida,... Larry's the guys name...

Good stuff, that behaves exactly like the west system, only cheaper...
lot'sa good peanutbutter ingredients too...
 
S

Steve302

Seaman
Joined
Dec 15, 2010
Messages
60
Re: Which Epoxy Resin Do I Use?

I have used west system throughout my century resto and have been very happy with it. I also bought the pumps and it is nice that they meter it out for you. it is a bit pricy though.
 
A

andgott

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 2, 2009
Messages
801
Re: Which Epoxy Resin Do I Use?

I've used West Systems, System 3, and U.S. composites. Really, I don't find much difference between them- Admittedly, I've never used them side by side, but for the price difference, I use U.S. composites.

You won't be using all that much for your project, so you might just be better off using whatever you can find locally... Most of the 'big box' marine stores have West systems, occasionally you'll find system 3... The cost savings from a place like US composites could be offset by shipping costs.
 
B

bluey

Seaman
Joined
Oct 31, 2010
Messages
70
Re: Which Epoxy Resin Do I Use?

Hi,
West System epoxy is good, but after using about 2 gallons of it I came to realise it had some downsides for me. The main problem was an allergic reaction I had every time I used it. Despite wearing two pairs of long rubber gloves and other protective gear I would itch like crazy on my arms, neck and face for a few days after using WS. The other problem is amine blush, WS is prone to blushing and this became a real nuisance to me.

However, after following some good advice I started using Bote Cote epoxy resin and found it to be a superb product with none of the problems mentioned above. It's non allergenic and non blushing. Not sure if it is available in the US though. I get Bote Cote sent to me from BoatCraft Pacific - http://boatcraft.com.au/informationpages/whybotecote.htm

Cheers,
redx
 
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