WEST SYSTEM epoxy
- Thread starter Linoleum
- Start date
As far as West System Epoxy goes. It is a good system but seeing as you are in Australia, I recommend using Bote Cote epoxy. http://boatcraft.com.au/botecote.htmlIt is a thicker viscosity which is good for the purpose of coating. Its 2:1 mixing ratio is more forgiving than West Systems and it is also free of the side reaction known amine blush.
You can coat the ply first and let it cure before applying a layer of glass but you will have to give it a sand in between coats. I prefer the wet method. It is pretty easy. First thing is to have all your matting cut up and ready for all the areas to be glassed. I also make sure the epoxy both part A & B are pre warmed to make it easier to work with. Working pot life will vary depending on what resin you have. Boat Cote gives me around 45 minutes to work with.
After mixing the correct amount for what I am going to do, I first roll a coat over the ply before applying the matting. I let that sit for 10mins so it gets a soak into the ply and lets trapped air escape. Next is to lay out the matting. It will stick pretty good to the previously wet ply, even on a vertical side. I use a 4" brush to apply the resin to all the harder spots like in the corners and such (in a dabbing motion) and a smooth paint roller for the main flat parts. Wet it out until the matting becomes transparent. Repeat process if applying more than 1 layer of matting at once. Next is the most crucial part.
Get yourself one of these.
A roller is needed to expel any air hidden under or within the matting itself. This makes the the matting stronger and seals the job better. It is quite easy. Start from one end working the air out by rolling it back and forth over the matting. Make sure you have no air bubbles as this could lead to problems down the line. Remember with epoxy. Once it has cured, you need to give it a sanding before applying the next layer.
You can coat the ply first and let it cure before applying a layer of glass but you will have to give it a sand in between coats. I prefer the wet method. It is pretty easy. First thing is to have all your matting cut up and ready for all the areas to be glassed. I also make sure the epoxy both part A & B are pre warmed to make it easier to work with. Working pot life will vary depending on what resin you have. Boat Cote gives me around 45 minutes to work with.
After mixing the correct amount for what I am going to do, I first roll a coat over the ply before applying the matting. I let that sit for 10mins so it gets a soak into the ply and lets trapped air escape. Next is to lay out the matting. It will stick pretty good to the previously wet ply, even on a vertical side. I use a 4" brush to apply the resin to all the harder spots like in the corners and such (in a dabbing motion) and a smooth paint roller for the main flat parts. Wet it out until the matting becomes transparent. Repeat process if applying more than 1 layer of matting at once. Next is the most crucial part.
Get yourself one of these.
A roller is needed to expel any air hidden under or within the matting itself. This makes the the matting stronger and seals the job better. It is quite easy. Start from one end working the air out by rolling it back and forth over the matting. Make sure you have no air bubbles as this could lead to problems down the line. Remember with epoxy. Once it has cured, you need to give it a sanding before applying the next layer.
Have a look at the build in my sig. I just used black pigment in the actual resin. Both in the matt layers and final coats. No need to paint over itLinoleum;3555210; said:
