Epoxy Question - Help please

[papakevin]

I need some suggestions, thoughts, help regarding epoxy.<br /><br />This all started with a little soft spot in the floor. Investigated, and found the problem was a 3 foot by 2 foot area of rot. Cut it out (stringers were good), applied a new piece of plywood down, covered in Bondo Fiberglass repair epoxy (the type you use 14 drops hardner to one ounce of epoxy). I've put down my first layer of epoxy with some cloth, and so far it looks good, but now I'm having second thoughts. So, here are my questions - <br /><br />(1) What is the difference between this type of epoxy (which uses drops of hardner) vs the type which is a 1 to 1 mix? <br /><br />(2) After this patch piece dries, should I sand the entire floor and add a layer of fresh epoxy everywhere (it's a small boat, so this wouldn't be a lot of trouble).<br /><br />(3) Did I mess up by buying the Bondo stuff at Home Depot and not getting CPS Epoxy? <br /><br />(4) How long will does a floor repair last?<br /><br />Any and all feedback is appreciated. Thanks

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Epoxy Question - Help please

1)Are you sure the resin you are using is epoxie and not Poly resin?<br />2)No need in doing the complete floor.Now if you have any spots that have screw holes thru the floor,grind away a 2" spot around the hole,and reglass it.<br />3)If it was poly resin,it will be fine,don't sweat the little things.Poly resin is good,some will say to use just epoxie,me,I don't like the stuff(epoxie) unless I'm glueing wood together.The boat is most likely built out of poly resin like about 99 % of others that are fiberglass.<br />4)A floor could last a thousand years,all depends on how it is taking care of.Left out in the weather,breaking the glass seal over the wood,about 2 years down here in the south.

 

[papakevin]

Re: Epoxy Question - Help please

Thanks a bunch. I'll check to see if it is epoxy. I think it is, but I don't really have a clue...<br /><br />I just checked on my floor and the stuff is amazing. This is the first time I've ever worked with this stuff, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I'm real glad I pulled the boat out of the garage and worked with it outside. I have a few rough areas I'll need to hit with my sander, but all in all, the stuff is amazing. <br /><br />I finally found a use for those stupid little butter bowls my wife keeps. They were perfect for mixing up the stuff (10 oz at a time) and those throw away brushes at Home Depot did the trick. The mix stayed workable fo about 15 minutes, so 10 oz was just the right amount. <br /><br />Any additional thoughts is appreciated.

 

[papakevin]

Re: Epoxy Question - Help please

Checked the can, and it doesn't say what it is. Calls itself Fiberglass Resin, and it's made by Bondo. I checked the bondo web site, but it didn't say much.<br /><br />The stuff cures in 2 hours, if that helps to identify. Thanks.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Epoxy Question - Help please

It's polyester resin. You can confirm it by the strong smell. Epoxy does not have any. Also with polyester you use a relatively small amount of catalyst. With epoxy you mix 1 to 1, 2 to 1, 3 to 1, etc depending on the particular type.

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Epoxy Question - Help please

That what I thought when you said that you were mixing mekp to kick it off.It would be fine.

 

[papakevin]

Re: Epoxy Question - Help please

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback.<br /><br />My thoughts on this product - Bondo Home Solutions Fiberglass Resin. It's very easy to work with. If you follow the directions, it will start to "jelly up" in about 15 minutes, and is completely dry within 45. Can says it is cured in two hours, and I believe it. I worked with 10oz portions, using throw-away brushes and mixing containers. Larger amounts would not work, because it would set up too quick. I read another post from someone who was unhappy with the Bondo product, but it may have been a different type... again, for this small repair, I was pleased.<br /><br />Time will tell if this stuff is good or not, but considering the small scale of my project, I was happy with the results. I moved too quickly in general the project because I wanted to get the boat back on the water. I would have spent more time on the prep work and cleaning the floor.<br /><br />My job was a small one, so the fumes didn't bother me too much. If I was working on a larger repair, I'd probably go with the equal parts epoxy, because I've read the fumes are less.