Epoxy resin

[Graham_Wright]

I have been advised to coat the inside of my diesel tanks which are formed in the top of the grp bilge keels with epoxy resin (they have never been contaminated with anything other than water).
Originally I was going to use gel coat.
The thought of using West System is financially off-putting.
Any alternatives to be recommended?

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Graham,

Osmosis is more common in fresh water than in salt, so a good seal is important.

Flowcoat and gelcoat are not nearly as good as epoxy resin and unless you have huge tanks you would not need a lot, applying 3 coats, wet on tacky will not take more than a day to complete and the cost is small compared to repairing tanks that have developed problems.

Avagoodweekend.

 

[mirabriani]

As always Oldsaltoz has excellent advice.
Pick up free leaflet from West
You will get messy, so equip yourself with gloves,
old clothes or overals, West cleaner (or vinegar and sawdust)
The auto mixers are worth having.
throw-a-way brushes that do not lose bristles
Practice on something first
You will be surprised how far a small amount goes

Good luck
Briani

 

[DavidGrieves]

Hi

Try here

http://www.thistlebond.com/

Good epoxy products and nothing like West prices

Good luck

Dave

 

[Joe_Cole]

David is right, don't use the West brand but get epoxy from elswhere. As you are in Gloucestershire you may want to try Matrix Moulding in Bristol (Tel 0800 0744 788 (I think!)). They are much cheaper and very helpful indeed. Last time I was there the boss was building himself a beautiful carbon fibre cat.........so they know about boats.

 

[jeanne]

My mate Jim epoxied his water tanks, the job went ok, but he had to fit a charcoal water filter before he could use the water for drinking .