Epoxy Fiberglass Materials...where to get

I understand I'm supposed to be using epoxy fiberglass repair materials, not polyester. However, I seem to be having trouble finding them. The can of Bondo brand "Home Solutions" resin I got at my local Lowe's says on the label that if you want something that will stand up to "years of abuse, harsh climates, mild chemicals and cold environments, look for Bondo Home Solutions Extra-Strength Epoxy products with the green label."

So I take it I got the polyester stuff.

Do I understand this correctly?

Any suggestions on where to find the epoxy stuff?

The largest boat dealer around here doesn't even carry fiberglass repair materials.

Thomas

Wait a minute here...not so fast...

Regardless of what was used to construct the original boat, epoxy is a far superior adhesive compared with polyester. Since repairs are a secondary and not primary bond, you want the best adhesive possible. So go epoxy. For small jobs, Home Depot carries Bondo brand marine two part epoxy (one can is blue, the other white). Or, a good source is uscomposites

Also, Correct Craft has been using epoxy resins for years and years which allows them to make the boats lighter and stronger than the competition. Polyester resin should NOT be used to repair epoxy based composites. So, I guess I take issue with Chris at MFS (whoever that is). Sure, many repairs to polyester boats are made with polyester, but why do it when a stronger alternative is available.

Instead of the mega-stores try a locally owned hardware supply. I have better luck with them on specialty items. These people live where you live and most of them can and will do more for you than the big stores which are limited to the corporate preferred suppliers.

Where do you live? West Marine usually has a very good selection of fiberglass supplies and even some really cheap books ($5?) on exactly how to use it. Boater's World also has the stuff you need. In fact, I'd bet just about any boating/marine store would have what you need. Are there any boat dealers around? Where do they get their stuff? Auto body supply stores might also have the stuff.

I have fibreglast saved as a "favorite" from when I did my research. Fibreglast wants $115.00 for 1.33 gallons of epoxy resin. UScomposites wants $50.00 for 1.33 gallons of epoxy resin. Both 3:1 ratio.

All my local Home Depot stores carry the Bondo brand of marine epoxy resin (1:1) ratio. It is sold in the paint section next to the Bondo body putty and fiberglass cloth/mat, etc. The resin cost about $22.00 for 2 pints. I have some on hand for when I want to mix very small amounts since it is easier to measure and mix 1:1 ratio in small batches (for plugging striped screw holes, etc.)

I agree, marine stores usually carry epoxy resin, but at a very high premium.

Yep, David, that's exactly what my local Home Depot, Lowe's, Advance Auto, Carquest, and Motor Mile Outdoors (the big boat dealer) do NOT have.

And I'm not exactly in the boonies. However, I did find one local auto parts store that SAYS they have epoxy resin. Can't wait to see if it's actually polyester.

There are some excellent resources on the web for learning about plywood/fiberglass/epoxy boat construction.

I recommend bateau.com and their FAQ's and discussion boards as a great starting point. They also have links to suppliers for both glass and epoxy.

epoxy sources:
www.raka.com
www.masepoxies.com
www.westsystem.com
www.systemthree.com

Try U.S. Composites. They have a web site and tech support. I used thier products on my Barracuda and they worked well.

Nate:

Most of the epoxies I've looked at mix at 1:1 up to 3:1 or 4:1 ratio. Are you saying those aren't as good as a 5:1 mix?

If so, where do you get the 5:1 mix?

The epoxy resin I was finally able to come up with at my local auto paint supply store is Evercoat brand and mixes at 1:1.

Thomas

I am sure that West System epoxies are fine products. However, West is very proud of their epoxies and the price reflects this.

Given what is desired, most epoxies resins will perform admirably for fiberglass repair work. This is why I suggest USComposites' 3:1 635 epoxy. Of course this is my oppinion based on experience with the 635. Maybe West System epoxies have been proved to bond stronger, etc, etc. But....