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17-05-2015, 17:31
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 113
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Epoxy brand for storing aboard
So far I have been using West System epoxy canisters fitted out with their measuring pumps. Storing these onboard has been proven difficult and messy with the pumps attached. I am now looking for a solution or a replacement brand that stores better.
Does anyone know of a good epoxy brand and a good way of storing the canisters onboard?
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17-05-2015, 17:52
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Oregon
Boat: Seafarer36c
Posts: 5,563
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Re: Epoxy brand for storing aboard
Get rid of the pumps. They just add to the mess. For one time little projects, you don't need a pump. Use the mixing ratio on the can (5:1?). The only long term problem I see with West system is the hardener changes color (rust in the can maybe?) I don't notice any difference in how it works. One trick is to put glass marbles in with the hardener to take up air space in the can.
The super accurate ratio thing is a little overblown. For small projects and general repairs, you can be off quite a bit.
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17-05-2015, 22:20
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 174
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Re: Epoxy brand for storing aboard
Maybe try syringes to get the ratio right. You will need two one for each part so you don't contaminate the other. I did this with two part epoxy paint for small batches with great success or use the foil pouches. The hardener will slowly change color over time once exposed to air. When I called west, they replied it has no effect on strength of bond.
Sent from my XT1080 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app
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18-05-2015, 05:33
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Presently on US East Coast
Boat: Manta 40 "Reach"
Posts: 10,108
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Re: Epoxy brand for storing aboard
MAS and System Three epoxies are sold in plastic containers, which solves the container rusting problem I always have with WEST.
For the pumps, just remove them and pump xylene or acetone through them to clean them for storage. Replacement pumps are very inexpensive, so also have a spare set.
Mark
__________________
www.svreach.com
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
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18-05-2015, 06:53
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2014
Location: USA
Boat: 41' yawl
Posts: 1,187
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Re: Epoxy brand for storing aboard
I use west system and keep it in a 5 gallon bucket w/ gasketed lid.
The 1-gallon size doesn't quite fit with the pump extended and unfortunately the resin pump doesn't have the "screw to lock shut" feature that the hardener pump does, so on my last pump with it for a while I have duct tape ready to tape the whole thing down so it fits. I find this is easier than pulling out the pump and dealing with it's mess. I stick some paper towel directly under the pump output to catch any drips.
The smaller size resin containers fit in the bucket w/ the pump no problem.
I keep a whole repair kit stashed in there, with some MEK, fiberglass cloth, mixing cups, etc.
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18-05-2015, 07:26
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: OPacific Northwest
Boat: Vancouver 28
Posts: 55
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Re: Epoxy brand for storing aboard
Like anything, the best brand of epoxy may be what you are most used to. I have always liked the 2:1 ratios with System 3 and I like their range of products. They come in plastic bottles from pint to gallon so they're easy to store. I have noticed that when they get cold the resin will partially solidify, but putting the container in some warm water brings it back to right.
J.M.
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18-05-2015, 07:30
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Homer, AK is my home port
Boat: Skookum 53'
Posts: 4,042
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Re: Epoxy brand for storing aboard
+1 On Systems 3, it is easy to work with and I really like the results.
__________________
" Wisdom; is your reward for surviving your mistakes"
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18-05-2015, 07:58
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Bermuda
Boat: Heritage West Indies 36
Posts: 1,016
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Re: Epoxy brand for storing aboard
West system will keep well (every other epoxy i know of does as well). Just get rid of the pumps. You can either measure by volume using mixing pots, syringes or anything else with graduated measurements, or my preferred method - buy a cheap digital scale and use that to measure out ratios by weight. That way you can use whatever container you like - disposable cups, the bottom of an old water container, whatever. It also means that if you accidentally over-pour one part you can just calculate how much or the other to add and compensate that way. If you go this route, just look up the mixing ratio by weight for whichever brand you use. This also works for 2 (or 3) part paints, any other resins, and baking cookies :-)
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18-05-2015, 22:32
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia
Boat: Adams 35ft, round bilge steel, SV Saaremaa
Posts: 83
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Re: Epoxy brand for storing aboard
Whenever using epoxy or 2 pack paint I mix the correct ratios using stainless steel teaspoons or table spoons depending on how much I am mixing up. I always clean the spoon with acetone before measuring out the hardener to avoid contamination. I have done it this way for a number of years, never using pumps and have always had success. Plus spoons are easy to store and there are a range of sizes available.
The epoxy/paint cans are firmly sealed with glad wrap plastic on the lid. The tins are stored in an area of the boat where the temperature does not vary too greatly ie in a dry locker below the waterline.
This I regard as part of the KISS principle.
Good luck
Michael
__________________
Saaremaasailson
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19-05-2015, 04:08
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Presently on US East Coast
Boat: Manta 40 "Reach"
Posts: 10,108
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Re: Epoxy brand for storing aboard
Quote:
Originally Posted by micknor51
I always clean the spoon with acetone before measuring out the hardener to avoid contamination.
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When your budget allows it, spring for a second spoon and use one spoon for each resin/hardener.
Mark
__________________
www.svreach.com
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
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19-05-2015, 06:29
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,034
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Re: Epoxy brand for storing aboard
Never liked the pumps for some reason. I use cough syrup cups to measure little projects and regular plastic cups for bigger ones. I just mark the correct level using shot glasses full of water and wipe them dry before using.
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19-05-2015, 19:04
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Caribbean live aboard
Boat: Camper & Nicholson58 Ketch - ROXY Traverse City, Michigan No.668283
Posts: 6,356
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Re: Epoxy brand for storing aboard
The only epoxy I use now is Epoxy :Â*Epoxy Resins and Hardeners 635 THIN resin. (2:1) It comes in plastic kits of various sizes. Slow cure, great wet-out, no blush. I have gallons I have stored for more than 3 years - no degradation problems. Stays clear always. One really need the pumps for large jobs. I sometimes use a set of cheap plastic measuring cups. Also, mark the ratio grade lines on your mixing container before you start pouring or buy the throw-away graded mixing containers. I also found a 1" wide throw-away Home Depot brush to be the best mixing stick for wiping the walls and getting a thorough blend. I also use the brush to spread & wet out on glass.
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19-05-2015, 19:28
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: San Diego
Boat: Pearson 39-2 "Sea Story"
Posts: 1,109
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Re: Epoxy brand for storing aboard
Our emergency repair kit onboard contains of a couple of tubes of West Systems Six10, a pre thickened structural two part epoxy in a caulking tube. We figure that in an emergency, we don't want to be dealing with measuring out epoxy and spreading colloidal silica over everything. If you use the mixing syringe, you don't even need a container to mix it in, just squeeze and spread.
Although usually quite frugal, we find this so much easier than mixing our own that we almost always use it, anyway.
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20-05-2015, 01:17
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia
Boat: Adams 35ft, round bilge steel, SV Saaremaa
Posts: 83
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Re: Epoxy brand for storing aboard
Hi Mark colemj,
I am currently saving up for another spoon.
The problem then might be that I inadvertently dip the wrong spoon into the the wrong container of epoxy.
Life can seem so complex at times!
Michael
__________________
Saaremaasailson
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20-05-2015, 01:44
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Back in Montt.
Boat: Westerly Sealord
Posts: 8,180
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Re: Epoxy brand for storing aboard
Quote:
Originally Posted by micknor51
Hi Mark colemj,
I am currently saving up for another spoon.
The problem then might be that I inadvertently dip the wrong spoon into the the wrong container of epoxy.
Life can seem so complex at times!
Michael
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Maccas coffee spoons are black..... Qantas spoons are white.... simples.....
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