"marine" epoxy brands

[fedor]

\"marine\" epoxy brands

Hi all,

I have a big restoration project planned and I've noticed the big difference in prices between "marine" epoxy brands and regular epoxies.
Can anybody please explain me what is so special in "marine" epoxies, why they cost so much and why designers/boat repair experts usually recommend using "marine" epoxies instead of cheaper ordinary brands?

Experts only please - armchair opinions like " it is more water resistant" are not welcome.

Thanks in advance,
Fedor.

 

[PBrooks]

Re: \"marine\" epoxy brands

Hi
For expert opinion, you might try the epoxy companies themselves - SP Systems has, in my experience, a very helpful and knowledgeable technical section.

My own use of epoxy has been limited to two brands - West and SP - and they're both in the expensive bracket. I've used several different types, depending on the purpose (general glueing, sheathing, pre-coat for paint / varnish etc) and each type was of a different formulation. So whether a "cheap" brand will suffice, will depend on what you want to use the epoxy for in your re-build and whether the formulation matches your requirements. The only point I would make is that the cost of the epoxy will form only a small proportion of your overall bill in the re-build - and it is a "critical" component that will be very expensive to rectify if it fails.
Good luck

 

[tr7v8]

Re: \"marine\" epoxy brands

There has been a considerable amount of discussion on this point on the USA self build sites, general opinion is that only a handful of co.s make Epoxy resins in the first place the rest is down to blending.
A trip around Duckworks.com and query on Yahogroups could save you money!

Jim
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[jonjo]

Re: "marine" epoxy brands

West sent me some reading material last week. There is a considerable price range in their resin products, they explain what and where to use.

 

[gjgm]

Re: \"marine\" epoxy brands

theres a fibreglass company in redruth-CLS or CSL ?, sure you can find them on the web. Nathan in tech dept seemed very helpful, and their catalogue covers boats,roofing,ponds etc, so I m sure they know what to use where. They also sent me West brochure,colour charts etc, which has a sort of idiots guide to materials, effect of blending ratios, fillers etc. This co. has pages of materials I ve never heard of-or will ever need- but I d guess at least they re specialists.
Hope they can help- I found them very friendly.