the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
icon

resin downfall?


Post ReplyPost New Topic
< Prev Topic Next Topic >
krazykustoms 
Member - Posts: 32
Member spacespace
Joined: February 21, 2007
Location: United States
Posted: May 20, 2007 at 7:02 AM / IP Logged  
What is the downfall to using polyester resin versus epoxy resin? I know that polyester resin is heavier and not as strong, but epoxy resin is more expensive and I don't have alot of money to put into this project. Weight isn't a factor for me, but I am planning to do extensive fiberglass work (almost the entire interior). Can someone please give me some help on deciding what to type of resin to use?
wotugot4me 
Copper - Posts: 64
Copper spacespace
Joined: March 09, 2005
Location: United Kingdom
Posted: May 21, 2007 at 11:02 AM / IP Logged  
Polyester is fine, cheaper and easier to work with.  Epoxy is also more hazardous to your health then polyester.
speakermakers 
Copper - Posts: 231
Copper spacespace
Joined: January 02, 2003
Location: United States
Posted: May 24, 2007 at 1:52 AM / IP Logged  
I use marine grade epoxy resin for many projects (not all) for the following reasons.
It is far less hazardous to your health (the type that I use)
It bonds better to all materials that polyester bonds to
It is stronger. Way way stronger
It is more shock resistant (no cracking)
It it’s much more water resistant
It shrinks 1% compared to the 7% that polyester resin shrinks (that means virtually no warping, delaminating, or lines showing up in your paint work)
It wets out fiberglass much better (that means you use less to do the same job)
You can use a fast hardener that works very well at cold temperatures during the winter.
There are no solvents in the epoxy, so you don’t have to worry about it melting what you put it on. For example; you can use Styrofoam to shape your project and then lay the epoxy over that.
Its compatible with carbon fiber
Due to the factors above you can turn out a rock solid product that wont warp, crack, suffer moister damage, or shrink.
resin downfall? - Last Post -- posted image.
I pay $65 a gallon for this stuff from www.tapplastics.com. I worked them down to this price. This company has various pricing for various customers. All you have to do is ask. I use an expander called “micro spheres” from the same company. With this expander I can make 1 gallon of epoxy into 5 gallons, and that makes this stuff a bargain! ($49 for a 35lb. bag that will last you years). It should be noted that this expander also works with polyester. The point here though is that the price difference is insignificant.
Here are the cons
The way that this stuff is applied when you are doing cosmetic work is totally different than polyester. It requires learning new habits and techniques. Check out www.tapplastics.com for more info. The site is filled with free info and tutorials.
Instead of changing the hardener ratio to change cure time you need to change the type of hardener that you use.
You can not bond polyester products to it (but it bonds extremely well to all polyester products). So using bondo on top of it is out. I make my own bondo substitute using enough expander to make the epoxy as thick as peanut butter and a fast hardener that sets up in about 10 minutes.
If you are looking for simplicity this is not for you. If you are looking for the best product this is the ticket.

Sorry, you can NOT post a reply.
This topic is closed.

  Printable version Printable version Post ReplyPost New Topic
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

  •  
Search the12volt.com
Follow the12volt.com Follow the12volt.com on Facebook
Saturday, April 27, 2024 • Copyright © 1999-2024 the12volt.com, All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy & Use of Cookies
Disclaimer: *All information on this site ( the12volt.com ) is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular use. Any user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and use of this information. Please verify all wire colors and diagrams before applying any information.

Secured by Sectigo
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
Support the12volt.com
Top
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer