Can you epoxy over gelcoat?
We know polyester gelcoat can be used over WEST SYSTEM Epoxy. If the hardener has not fully reacted with the epoxy resin or the amine blush is not removed from the cured surface, problems can occur. Proper surface preparation will prevent these problems.
What kind of resin is WEST SYSTEM?
105 Epoxy Resin
105 Epoxy Resin is the base material on which all WEST SYSTEM 105 System epoxy compounds are built. It is a clear, pale yellow, low-viscosity liquid epoxy resin. Blended with hardener at the proper ratio, it cures to a hard, solid plastic with superior physical properties.
Does West System 105 dry clear?
COMBINED WITH WEST SYSTEM 205 Fast Hardener or 206 Slow Hardener at a 5-parts resin to 1-part hardener ratio, 105 Resin cures, developing superior physical properties at room temperature. Forms a clear, amber-colored solid with excellent physical properties and moisture-vapor resistance.
Can West System epoxy go bad?
WEST SYSTEM resins and hardeners do not have a strict shelf life. Certain changes may make them less effective for some jobs, but the resin and hardener will still be reactive. The “expiration dates” on our containers are 2 years from the date of manufacturer, but the actual shelf life is typically far longer.
How thick can you pour West System epoxy?
While it is a slower curing system, it still should not be poured more than ¼” deep at a time. We have found that building up castings ¼” at a time allows the epoxy to cure without overheating.
How long does West System epoxy take to cure?
6 to 8 Hours
#205-B Fast Hardener
Best Use | Fast Hardener for 105 Epoxy Resin |
---|---|
Capacity | 0.86 Quart |
Cure Time | 6 to 8 Hours (Working Time 60-70 Minutes) at 72 F |
Type | Hardener |
How long does WEST SYSTEM take to cure?
6-8 hours
#205 Fast Hardener, mixed at a 5:1 ratio with #105 Resin, results in a pot life of 9-12 minutes at 72°F, with solid cure in 6-8 hours.
How long will WEST SYSTEM epoxy last?
ATL Composites recommend that WEST SYSTEM® resin and hardeners should be kept in the original containers with the caps tightly sealed, and stored at room temperature (15oC to 32oC) to provide a 2 year shelf life from when the pack has been opened.
Is the west system epoxy incompatible with gel coat?
The biggest problem with West and gelcoat is the cure of the epoxy. The ammines are that are emitted even after it feels hard and and the physical changes of ongoing curing ruins gel cure and bonding. That said I have gelcoated over West for years in small enough areas that I was able to heat adequately.
Who is liable for incidental damages from westsystemand gelcoat blisters?
In no event, shall Gougeon Brothers, Inc. be liable for incidental or consequential damages. WESTSYSTEMand Gougeon Brothers are registered trademarks, and Microlight and Episize are trademarks of Gougeon Brothers, Inc., Bay City, MI USA.
What do you need to know about boat gelcoat?
Scraping the edge of the gelcoat with a razor tests how well the fine edge of the gelcoat stays attached to the epoxy layer below. Boats flex while in use. In order to prevent stress cracks in the gelcoat, this material needs to be able to move with the boat without delaminating or peeling apart from the substrate.
How does polyester gelcoat bond to epoxy laminate?
The samples showed that the polyester gelcoat bonded to the epoxy laminate but the amount of force to break the samples and failure mode varied between the different systems. Our experience from many years of testing has taught us that WEST SYSTEM hardeners all achieve similar cured properties so there should not be a difference.