cheap epoxy resin in the UK?

[SamFoster]

I've recently been looking into building a small boat using the "stitch and glue" method. I was shocked when I found out most of the cost would be the epoxy resin alone, It seems to be more expensive in the UK then in the USA. Douse anyone know where I can find cheaper epoxy in the UK. thanks

 

[boatbuilder]

dont buy retail!! You will do better on the net. Buy in bulk and you should get below £8 per kilo net. Talk to your local boat yards , they often have bits left over that they will sell you. Good luck

 

[kandoma]

I can not give you a direct link to a local supplier, but some ideas:

there are two different types of epoxys: for yachts and for generell users

brand names for yachts are West System and SP and some more. Some of this boat epoxies offer a very easy distribution system: a pump, delivering the correct amount of epoxies.

The epoxies for industriell users have different brand names and have lower prices. Useally sold per kilo's and no pumps. You have to measure the correct amount by scale and the measuring procedure may leave you with a big mess. Be warned: there are many different types of industrial epoxies, for specific applications. Do not buy the cheapest, but the correct epoxy. Some epoxys are for laminating only, some for covering watertanks, some for wastewater plant protection. As a starting point, have a look here http://www.swiss-composite.ch click on the most left colone with "epoxydharze". You may not understand the language, but it may give you an idea, how many products are available.

I build my dinghy with a kevlar/carbon mesh and ciba epoxy. I did not know at buildng time, that industrial epoxies may have a very narrow (never below 20°C for Ciba laminating epoxy) temperatur range. If you go below the stated temperatur, the epoxy may not harden ever. Some parts of my dinghy are still a little bit soft, because the epoxy did not harden sufficently due to cold weather. West System epoxy is much easier to use, it has a pump system and it has a very wide temperatur range (+5°C). But, as you you have found out it is expensiv.

Ha... the Ciba epoxy was "cheap", and I'm always looking for cheap. I generally prefer to do projects twice: first the cheap way, then start all over and do it correctly.




Peter

 

[snowleopard]

How much do you need? Are you thinking of sheathing the whole thing with epoxy? A Mirror kit needs less than 5 litres of resin which is a pretty small fraction of the total cost.

 

[ex-Gladys]

UK prices for nearly every thing I am aware of have for yonks been the same numerical value in pounds as dollars in the US.... i.e. stuff retailing in theUK for £10 will retail in US for $10....

 

[savageseadog]

Hi
I have come accross the ebalta range of resins which although not specifically for boatbulding seem of the highest quality. I think they work out at about £10 a Kilo for pure resins without solvents.