Best epoxy?

[Charlie Boy]

So I’m in the process of ‘re-doing’ the epoxy on the underside. The old stuff has been thoroughly sanded back and power washed and now I’m at the point of deciding which epoxy to use. The choice seems to be between International Gelshield 200 and Hempel High Protect 2, the former is slightly more expensive but not enough to make me decide on that basis.
Does anyone have experience or technical insight here, please?

 

[ash2020]

I believe West would be the preferred epoxy, wouldn't it? A very good pedigree.

WEST SYSTEM Epoxy | Leader in Marine Epoxy

 

[srm]

I used a commercial high build epoxy, normally specified for bridges, as it was very tolerant of humidity and temperature during application. Recommended and supplied by the Coppercoat people but can not remember the trade name/brand.

 

[Lightwave395]

Jotun, much cheaper than gelshield and every bit as good

 

[[193211]]

Gelshield is solvented and High Protect is not. That might have some influence on your choice for the rest of the system. High Protect will build a thicker final thickness but I found it harder to work with. Both require some control over the environment during application and cure.

 

[[193211]]

I believe West would be the preferred epoxy, wouldn't it? A very good pedigree.

WEST SYSTEM Epoxy | Leader in Marine Epoxy

It’s great but it’s not a paint.

 

[Graham376]

I went for Gelshield because coats can be applied over several days or weeks if necessary whereas some others have to have all coats done one after the other when tacky which can make it a very long day if working single handed.

 

[Charlie Boy]

An update; So I have areas where the original epoxy (40ish years)never adhered properly (a pox on the lazy twat who didn’t abrade it properly before applying) so that’s been throughly removed exposing the original gel coat. I called International who say DON’T apply Gelshield 200 directly to those areas, but treat with West Epoxy first.
So then I called West. And that’s where things start to get complicated. To cut a long story short, here’s a link to the definitive instructions; https://eu.westsystem.com/app/uploa...ide-To-Osmosis-Repair-Manual-5th-Feb-2004.pdf which I’m still ploughing through

 

[Refueler]

I am surprised at International's reply .....

Gelshield was for a long time the 'Goto' application once a hull had been blasted / peeled etc.