I've even used West Systems hardener in East Systems epoxy and vice versa. That represents shrinkage of just .01% on a laminate consisting of fiberglass and WEST SYSTEM Epoxy. Select your desired option below to share a direct link to this page. Estimating Epoxy Coverage for Fabric Application, Fiberglass Boat Repair & Maintenance (pdf), Common Mistakes in Fiberglass Repair (Webinar), The Gougeon Brothers On Boat Construction book, Health Effects from Overexposure to Epoxy, Call from outside the U.S.A. 1-989-684-7286, Mix your epoxy resin and hardener at the proper ratio (. Always buy WEST SYSTEM products in original, sealed factory containers. West System's entire line of epoxy products are explained in this West Marine buyer's guide. This is why we recommend removing the rotten wood and replacing it with fresh wood that is sealed with several coats of WEST SYSTEM Epoxy. Based on which hardener you choose, it cures at a wide range of temperatures. This can result in uncured epoxy or compromised cure strength. WEST SYSTEM 105 Resin is a low viscosity, solvent free liquid marine epoxy resin. We carry everything you may need to complete your project including expertise advice. 105 Epoxy Resin is the base material on which all WEST SYSTEM 105 System epoxy compounds are built. WEST SYSTEM additives are blended with mixed epoxy to alter the physical properties of the epoxy when used as a coating. These epoxies set the standard for epoxy quality in … Our resin and hardener formulas, ingredients and combinations are tested to compare fatigue strength, compression strength, glass transition temperature, and peak exotherm. While exotherm is a normal part of the curing process, you must always keep it under control. Heating the resin/hardener components and then mixing them together results in a thinned epoxy mixture that, when cured, retains all the characteristics of epoxy cured at room temperature. WEST SYSTEM Epoxies have been used successfully since they began in 1969. Developed specifically for boat building, boat repairs and the marine industry, and internationally marketed for 50 years, WEST SYSTEM epoxy is a versatile, high-quality, system that is easily modified for a wide range of coating and adhesive applications. Unlike traditional wood glues, WEST SYSTEM Epoxy is stronger than wood. It’s in our fiberglass boat repair videos and discussed it our magazine, Epoxyworks. Do this by using smaller pours when casting, and working in a cool environment. We designed 105 Epoxy Resin to wet out and bond with wood fiber, fiberglass, and reinforcing fabrics. WEST SYSTEM Epoxy has a very low percentage of shrinkage. When purchasing resin and hardener, make sure both containers are labeled with the same Group Size letter (A, B, C or E). When there is too much of either resin or hardener, unlinked molecules are left over. As long as the epoxy is contacting the entire surface of both substrates, no clamping pressure is needed. 105 Resin’s viscosity is approximately 1000 centipoise (cp) at 72 F (22C). Epoxy thickened with adhesive (high-density) fillers makes structural bonds, bridges gaps, and fills voids. It was commonplace to see a 70-foot long mold shrink 3/32″ over the entire 70-foot length. The resin and hardener is combined at a ratio of 5:1 or 3:1 depending on the hardener being used. The performance of WEST SYSTEM epoxy is matched by the breadth of the complete product line. Developed by our in-house chemists, our epoxies formulations are proprietary, structural and marine grade. I was using the epoxy resin for a small DIY project and it worked well and fast. This epoxy is also a great coating material. 48 talking about this. For those who want to work with epoxy resin and hardener, each February Gougeon Brothers provides a Fiberglass Boat Repair Class for repair professionals. WEST SYSTEM epoxy can be cured in a wide temperature range to form a … The resulting surface is ready for you to prepare it for paint or gel coat. WEST SYSTEM Epoxies have been used successfully in boat construction and repair since 1969. WEST SYSTEM. Why WEST SYSTEM Epoxies? WEST SYSTEM epoxy cures to a high-strength plastic solid at room temperatures, by mixing specific proportions of liquid epoxy resin and hardener. Excessive heat can make WEST SYSTEM Epoxy can shrink some. WEST SYSTEM fillers expand the epoxy's versatility by altering it's consistency for specific applications. Since 1968, West Marine has grown to over 250 local stores, with knowledgeable Associates happy to assist. We’ve used gel coat over epoxy for decades. This can include, smoking, melting the mixing cup or even starting a fire. When epoxy is used to fill holes drilled into wood, it will soak into the end grain. Formulated for use with WEST SYSTEM hardeners, it can be cured in a wide temperature range to form a high-strength solid with excellent moisture resistance.