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Epoxy...

PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 12:45 pm
by dglenn1960
Ok, I have been through much of the message archive and I keep seeing 'Epoxy' used as a woodie exterior finish. However I don't find any description of brands, source, or exactly how it's done. When I think of epoxy I think small tubes you mix together, which can't possibly be right. Can someone enlighten me?

~dave

source and use of epoxy

PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 1:04 pm
by doctormap
I am not an expert on this, but I have built a small wooden rowboat using thin plywood and epoxy. I bought my epoxy, which comes in gallon jugs, from a company called U.S. Composites, or something like that, over the internet. The same stuff is available from HD or Lowe's but more expensive. The stuff I bought mixes in a 2:1 ratio, but it depends on how it's engineered, you just have to pay attention to the instructions. I applied my stuff with a rubber squeegee, but you can use just about anything, as long as you never need to use it again, as it sets up hard as a rock. It has a little bit of a golden, or yellowish hue to it, which gives wood a nice color, if that's what you like. I also used epoxy to coat the surface of my oak kitchen table. It looks great, and will last forever. The only downside is that most epoxy is not UV stable, that is, it falls apart if it is exposed to sunlight, but if you search for it, you can get epoxy designed for outdoor use, which has UV light stablizer in it, so it will last longer when exposed to the sun. Otherwise, you have to paint over it with some kind of opaque paint to protect it.
I hope this helps.

PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 1:19 pm
by madjack
http://www.shopmaninc.com/epoxy.html
http://www.raka.com/
http://www.westsystem.com/
http://www.rotdoctor.com/
...here are links to some of the most commonly used systems by memebers here...there is a ton of info on uses on these sites and a good place to start your research
madjack 8)

PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 4:36 pm
by Arne
Since I tend to use a fair amount of epoxy, is there a supplier with better prices than others? Or are prices within 10% of the middle of the bell curve.... Just curious, as I'll be starting another project soon and will need to buy some more.

PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 9:25 pm
by doug hodder
If you use West System...carried by West Marine...and sign up for their frequent buyer card...you can get special invite cards that are used when they have a sale...the amount of your discount may be determined on how much you have spent...but I've gotten all of the West System materials, resins, catalysts at up to 40% off...I stock up then...but like I say, I buy a fair amount of material from them...they are cheaper than some of the woodworking store chains however...Doug

PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 9:28 pm
by Miriam C.
Hi all
I have been holding this question for days so I'll put it here and maybe it will help us all.

Is the resin (epoxy)sold at the auto parts stores the same thing we want?

I ask this cause there is an auto paint wholesaler here.

Miriam

PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 9:48 pm
by Arne
I assume there are different quality epoxies, just be sure it is not polyester resin (which I think it might be at auto stores)....

I usually get mine from a boat yard. Check the brand and look it up on the net. lots of information around.

PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 10:26 pm
by Birddog
I have also built boats using epoxy resin. I ended up painting over the epoxy for UV protection. Another option is to top coat the epoxy with spar varnish. I used Raka and had great results.

PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 1:36 am
by asianflava
Miriam C. wrote:Hi all
I have been holding this question for days so I'll put it here and maybe it will help us all.

Is the resin (epoxy)sold at the auto parts stores the same thing we want?

I ask this cause there is an auto paint wholesaler here.

Miriam


I don't think it is (don't quote me on that though there are always exceptions). Most of the "epoxies" I've seen are typically Polyester resin. Bondo is also polyester based.

Now if you are talking about epoxy paint, that is a different animal. Instead of relying on solvents to outgas, it actually chemically cures up.

PostPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 6:25 pm
by Artificer
Miriam C. wrote:Hi all
I have been holding this question for days so I'll put it here and maybe it will help us all.

Is the resin (epoxy)sold at the auto parts stores the same thing we want?

I ask this cause there is an auto paint wholesaler here.

Miriam


Auto body shops typically use polyester resin with fiberglass. Its cheap, sets quickly (minuets/hour), and works. A quick check is to see what the two parts are. If its a large container with a small tube of catalyst (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide), then it's polyester resin.

If the two parts are something like 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and it costs more ($53/gal kit as a typical price) then its probably epoxy resin. Setting times are in hours or days for the slow ones.

The third somewhat common resin is Vinylester. Its a compromise between the other two. If you're going to spend extra on resin, just go with epoxy.

Epoxy is the strongest of the resin, but can't handle UV. Polyester (automotive) resin is cheaper, is UV resistant, but not as water proof as Epoxy. However, as Andrew can attest, its been used sucessfully on many boats in the past.

PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 6:57 pm
by Kaos116
I have built a couple kayaks using the US Composite epoxy with great results. The medium consistency worked well for wetting fiberglass out and applying additional coats. It is NOT UV stable so a few coats of a UV marine grade varnish finished it off nicely. If and when I get around to building a tear I am going to want it finished in natural wood and will use the epoxy/varnish finish.

Here is the link to the US Composite site.

http://www.shopmaninc.com/index.html

Takes about a week from ordering to arrival (Fla to Mass)

Todd

Re: Epoxy...

PostPosted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:04 am
by suzart24
Hi Guys & Gals,
I'm new here and have started my first 5x8 Benroy style, based on a Northern Tool trailer. I've been doing a lot of research and my first question involves sealing the floor.
Everyone seems to be in love with roofing tar! Yet they use epoxy everywhere else. Why not epoxy the bottom side too?
I've had some experience, restoring cars with undercoating, too. The undercoating with dry with age and crack and chip with road impacts. then, the moisture gets under the undercoating and hangs there, letting the rust begin. I wouldn't trust undercoating. It's just one of those sales gimics to get more of your cash.
But, why not epoxy resin on the underside?

Re: Epoxy...

PostPosted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:32 am
by Z3R0
I'm assuming the price difference. The "tar stuff" is cheap. Epoxy resin isn't. Nobody really cares about the underside of the trailer.

Also I believe undercoating for cars is different than the "tar stuff". And I completely agree that the undercoating stuff for cars is junk unless being primarily used as a sound deadener. My plan is truck bed coating for the bottom. I believe I can get a gallon for 20 bucks and that stuff is awesome. Buddy has a bush wacker jeep painted with truck bed liner. Hasn't scratched since he did it in 06.