Using two different epoxy brands?

[Minerva]

I have a lamination job to do this weekend at home; basically two nearly full ply sheets laminated together into a curve.

I have most of a west systems A pack which might be enough to glue the two sheets, but also have plenty of unopened epoxy from east coast composites. The west systems pack was only opened a fortnight ago.

If I use up the west systems epoxy, and I need to supplement it with the other stuff, am I likely to run into issues? Obviously not planning on mixing in same ratio / in the same pot etc.

Ta

 

[Sea Change]

I don't find that it goes off after opening. So my inclination would be to do the job using the new stuff.
I have three different types of epoxy open...

 

[neil_s]

Yes- agree with Sea Change above. Don't run the risk of spoiling your job. I have a West Systems junior pack that's been open for over a year and it's still good.

 

[thinwater]

The usable life of opened epoxy that is sealed is at least 5 years. West System studied this. I'm sure many forumites have matching experiences. The hardener will turn slightly red if in metal cans, but that is just cosmetic and has no effect on strength.

But I would not change formulas halfway across a sheet. Just save the West Systems. It will be good years from now for something else.

 

[Refueler]

If the epoxies are going to be laminating different layer - then whats problem ?

If you were to be using the epoxies in the same layer lamination - then not so advisable. Mainly because you may have different curing rates inducing stress ... possible conflict of components - NOT all Epoxies are same ...