Home > Products > FIBREGLASS > Epoxy Resins > West System Epoxy > Using The West System
West System Epoxy
Using The West System
WEST SYSTEM Epoxy cures to a high-strength plastic solid at room temperatures, by mixing specific proportions of liquid epoxy resin and hardener. By using a simple "cookbook" approach you can tailor the handling characteristics and the physical properties of the cured epoxy to suit your working conditions and specific coating or bonding application.
1. Start with 105 Resin, the basic ingredient of all WEST SYSTEM epoxy compounds.
2. Mix with one of four WEST SYSTEM Hardeners. Select a hardener for its intended use and for the cure speed best suited for your job in the temperature range in which you are working.
3. Add one of six WEST SYSTEM fillers to thicken the mixture as needed. Select a filler for its handling characteristics or cured physical properties. Or, add one of six WEST SYSTEM additives to provide specific coating properties
CLICK HERE TO VIEW USERS MANUAL
Much of the early success of WEST SYSTEM epoxy was due to its compatibility with wood. The epoxy was used for construction of new craft and repair of old. By the early 1970s, mass-produced fiberglass boats had essentially replaced the traditionally built wooden boat. But with the aging of the fiberglass fleet came the need for a dependable repair resin. Epoxy resins became a popular choice because of their superior moisture resistance and their ability to bond to a wide variety of substrates. However, because of the nostalgic value and beauty of wooden boats, the wooden boat market did not completely disappear.
The construction technique based on
laminating wood veneers together with epoxy, which the Gougeon Brothers developed for
building the iceboats, was also used to build a few high profile racing sailboats. The first
complete boat built incorporating WEST SYSTEM epoxy and composite construction techniques
was
Adagio. This 35-foot trimaran was designed and built by the Gougeons and
launched in 1970. Another notable boat built in this manner was the Holland-designed
Golden
Dazy, which won the Canada's Cup Regatta in 1975. The success of these wood/epoxy
composite boats led to a "mini-revolution" amongst builders and designers. They
realized that they could build stiffer and stronger hulls with wood and epoxy than they
could with fiberglass, and do so without increasing the weight. Many custom builders
continue to choose wood and epoxy as their construction materials today.
For more about the Gougeon Brothers and West System history and development see...