Resins

[Overoptimistix]

I am now getting back to work on 568 after letting her dry out under cover over winter. I want to add some reinforcing inside the transom tank.

In the past I have used polyester resins with glass fibre tape which I have now pulled off after the water got underneath.

I have been reading a lot about epoxy resin and it is probably a lot better.

Is it used in the same way - mix resin and catalyst and brush on through the reinforcing?

Are there any other things that I need to know about?

Is there a good supplier of light-weight, thin reinforcing materials?

How do they compare for weight and stiffness?

[Meat Pie ...]

Suggest you speak to SP Systems or West Epoxy to get some advice in the first instance.
Specialist companies like these generally have excellent Technical Support Depts that can offer you very good advice.

[pegasus]

Try contacting Epoxy-resins.co.uk by phone. I found them very helpful and their despatch was almost immediate. THey were able to give alot of advice prior to purchase.

[pegasus]

I forgot to mention. With epoxy you need a nylon based matting as opposed to a glass matting. See my pictures on the forum. If you like contact me via PM and we can talk it through.

Simon

[Overoptimistix]

I'm getting confused about how to use epoxy by reading the instructions!
I have bought some West 105 with the fast hardener and some West glass mat.

When I have previously laid glass with polyester I have wetted the area then put the glass in and wetted through.

Does it work the same with Epoxy? The West booklet talks about wetting out then laying the glass later - is this on wet resin or can it be done after the initial cure?

When I spoke to the support line at Trident, they suggested pre-wetting the glass by spreading resin on some scrap cardboard, laying the glass on top and then using a roller to soak through before transerring the wetted glass to the wetted target area. I can't see how I can do all this in the stated curing time.

Am I just making too much of an issue out of this?

thanks

dan

[Meat Pie ...]

Speak to Wessex Resins ...Tel No 01794 521111 about WEST 105.

[colin]

You have to use a slow hardener which is designed to give a long open time to allow you to complete the layup.

Question: Why would anyone use a nylon matting for the reinforcement?

Colin

[Overoptimistix]

I finally had a go, and was pleased with the result - nice smooth shiny resin floor to the bouyancy tank.

I was working yesterday in the sun and there was plenty of working time with the hardener and I mixed in batches and laid the glass. I used straight resin/hardener mix and I think that it flowed downhill in the mat.

Unfortunately, After it had hardened I found some bubbles. I don't think that they are too critical for the repair, but I'll have to sand them down and so they dont provide a potential leak.

Colin, I guess that nylon is lighter than glass but not as strong.