Getting ready to install the new stringers in my 89 200 cuddy but have a question. Which is better, polyester or epoxy resin for the fiberglass mat i'm gonna use on the stringers. :huh: Some local guys say polyester is fine but I want to make sure cause I don't want to have to do this again. What are the benefits and downfalls of each product. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
polyester vs epoxy resin
- Thread starter Roadrash
- Start date
douglee25
Well-Known Member
Epoxy is nice because it will stick to just about anything whereas polyester resins will generally adhere best to the same substrate (fiberglass). So if you're going to use polyester resins, make sure the substrate is polyester based. The actual bonding strength is much more significant with epoxy as well.
Personally, for the added cost, I would go epoxy.
Doug
BarryCF
Active Member
Do yourself a favor, do it once, use epoxy.
- Nov 12, 2006
- 5,334
- Boat Info
- 1999 Sea Ray 330DA
Twin 7.4 MPI (310 propshaft HP) V-drives
- Engines
- Twin Mercury Marine marinized 7.4L L-29 V8s
Cast iron block w 4-bolt mains
RobF is the resident 'glass expert.
cfelle2
New Member
Please read before using epoxy with fiberglass matt!!
Epoxy is much stronger, more waterproof and has superior bonding abilities to polyester resin however be aware that if you plan on using fiberglass matt it is not designed to be used with epoxy. According to the folks at West System it will still work but I can tell you from personal experience it is much more difficult to wet out than fiberglass cloth or woven roving.
It is made up of fibers of glass bound together with something which will not be dissolved by epoxy where polyester resin will. As a result if you use epoxy it will not saturate the fiberglass matt as effectively. You might consider using woven roving or fiberglass cloth instead. If I was making the repair I would probably use epoxy with something other than matt.
Here are a couple of links about this.
http://www.westsystem.com/ss/chopped-strand-mat-epoxy/
http://www.clarkcraft.com/fiberglasscovering.php3
Also if you have not bought your fiberglass yet check you these guys. They have very good prices on both epoxy and fiberglass.
http://www.uscomposites.com
Chris
Epoxy is much stronger, more waterproof and has superior bonding abilities to polyester resin however be aware that if you plan on using fiberglass matt it is not designed to be used with epoxy. According to the folks at West System it will still work but I can tell you from personal experience it is much more difficult to wet out than fiberglass cloth or woven roving.
It is made up of fibers of glass bound together with something which will not be dissolved by epoxy where polyester resin will. As a result if you use epoxy it will not saturate the fiberglass matt as effectively. You might consider using woven roving or fiberglass cloth instead. If I was making the repair I would probably use epoxy with something other than matt.
Here are a couple of links about this.
http://www.westsystem.com/ss/chopped-strand-mat-epoxy/
http://www.clarkcraft.com/fiberglasscovering.php3
Also if you have not bought your fiberglass yet check you these guys. They have very good prices on both epoxy and fiberglass.
http://www.uscomposites.com
Chris
Stringer repair with matt, Use " Vinylester " and make sure all the areas are dry and "well " roughed up to accept the bond. Butter ( Brush ) on a light coat of the resin to all surfaces you are adding the matt to prior to rolling out the glass in place. Check out more info here at www.fibreglast.com Just my 28 years of experience. Mike
Yes I did say mat in my post not thinking about the differences and how everyone would jump on that. I actually already have the cloth that I am using just waiting on the epoxy resin to get here now. Thanks for all the replies:thumbsup:
