Thursday, August 27, 2009

Epoxy

Hey everybody. This is my first question for the group. I am going to start another boat this fall and would like to find a better deal than the S3 epoxy I have always used. I have no complaints with the performance of S3, it's just the price. I have heard good things about RAKA and progressive epoxy polymers products. Does anyone have experience (good/bad) with either of these lines of epoxy products? I am looking for no blush products.

Thanks, Bill

3 comments:

  1. Epoxy epoxy epoxy.. A very tough choices between brand X and brand Z..
    I have experiences with few brands...
    My favorite is Progressive Epoxy http://www.epoxyproducts.com/1_marineresins.html because it doesn't have any fancy additives like other pricey epoxies.. and near no blush..
    Next follow up is Marinepoxy from Boat Builder Central http://boatbuildercentral.com/proddetail.php?prod=E_kit_1.5gal or Duckworks Boat Builders Supply http://www.duckworksbbs.com/supplies/epoxy/marinepoxy/index.htm

    Price is fair due to economy.. I have no complaint with/using products above..
    2 to 1 mix ratio is favorable to me because it easy to measure out than 5 to 1 and 3 to 1 ratios.

    Fast hardeners is where most of blush comes in..
    I favored slow hardeners because I want extra working time, and good penetration (time for wood to soak up epoxy)..

    System 3, West System, MAS failed my expectation.. mix ratio on these get fouled easy.. lot of sticky blushes.. and yet not reasonably priced..

    RAKA Inc.. is a good choice.. thou I haven't tried it yet.. I like the prices and availbilty of cloths type and sizes..

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  2. I'm glad to hear that you favor progressive epoxy products because they are the ones I was considering giving the nod to. I have seen your work over on the WBF and if it is OK for you, OK for me.
    Do any of their products, that you have used, actually produce no blush?
    They do have good prices and I too favor a 2:1 mix ratio. I have used S3 since for 8 years for boats and non boat projects and if I had to mix at a different ratio, well, I just see bad things happening.
    I don't have anything bad to say about S3 but my budget is tight these days.
    RAKA does have a good selection and Larry is a super helpful guy. They are in the bullpin.
    Thanks for the help and I love your work, especially the dories. Keep on keepin on.

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  3. "Do any of their products, that you have used, actually produce no blush?"

    Very nil.. I still sand and wash down just to be sure. But yes.. They are great stuff..
    Larry of RAKA Inc. is very nice fella.. I talked to him a few times before.. I just like his cloth deals..

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