Wooden Boat People

By McKenzieDriftBoat.com

Epoxy question

So I'm at the point of my build where I need to apply a coat of epoxy to the sides before assembly. My question is this, system three resin with their #3 hardener (slow cure), or use the West Systems epoxy with the slow hardener?

I'm using System Three T-88 for my frames and scarf joints. I can get the System Three locally, but the West I would have to order. I plan on staining the sides with a denatured alcohol stain and a oiled interior.

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Permalink Reply by Phillip Westendorf on July 17, 2015 at 10:15am

Mel,

Either one is good. I've used both on my DB and have had good results with either. If System Three is local go with it. I'd apply two coats but that's just my preference. Some will say one coat is enough. Make sure you prep the surface as recommended and you'll be fine.

Dorf

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Permalink Reply by Mel Buchanan on July 17, 2015 at 11:15am

Thanks Dorf, I plan to use a transparent stain/dye, then one coat of epoxy. Build the boat, then additional coats of epoxy (3) before the gunnels and outside chines go on. Sanding with finer grit as I go.

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Permalink Reply by tungsten on July 18, 2015 at 7:21am

be sure the stain is fully dried/cured before you apply epoxy,this can take some time pending on the stain.

Some will say epoxy is epoxy,for wetting glass and wood your looking for a low viscosity one.

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Permalink Reply by Phillip Westendorf on July 18, 2015 at 7:41am

Mel;

If your going to use a slow hardener you can warm up the resin prior to mixing the hardener to lower it's viscosity. This will allow it to penetrate the wood more. You might do a small sample test ahead of time to play with the resin temp.

G'Luck,

Dorf

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Permalink Reply by Mike Baker on July 18, 2015 at 9:34am

Personally I would stay away from the regular System Three and West with the slow hardener. Both of these blush a lot. I would go with System Three Silvertip or West with the 207 hardener. both of these are blush free, cost a litle more but well worth it. I have only used the Silvertip fast hardener which is very user friendly as far as working time as long as you don't mix too big of batches. The 207 is very slow.

Mike

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Permalink Reply by Mel Buchanan on July 18, 2015 at 9:39am

I'm in Alabama, currently it's 99 with high 90% humidity. Heat is the problem. I want time for the epoxy to cure, but this heat will make it "kick off" faster. Mike, I can get the silver tip locally.