Repair and Maintenance of a Drascombe Lugger


Some tips on using Epoxy Resin

This page describes what Epoxy resin is and gives easy to follow instructions on how to use it when undertaking repair and maintenance projects.

Contents

What is Epoxy ?
Sources of information about Epoxy
Using Epoxy on a Lugger
How much to buy?
How to use Epoxy
Step by step guide for mixing
Materials & equipment
Measuring out the Resin
Measuring out the Hardner
Stirring the resin/hardner mixture
Using the Resin

What is Epoxy ?

Epoxy resin is an exceedingly versatile plastic. It is supplied as a liquid in two containers: one holds the resin whilst the other holds the liquid hardner. When the two are mixed in the correct proportions a chemical reaction takes place and the mixture 'cures' to form a hard tough transparent plastic. Whilst in the form of a liquid the Epoxy can be applied to wood to form an exceptionally tough waterproof coating. In combination with glass fibre it makes a super strong glass reinforced plastic laminate (i.e. fibreglass). With addition of the appropriate powder it can be used as a filler or an extremely strong adhesive. It bonds equally well to wood, metals (including stainless steel) and polyester-based GRP. It is used extensively in the construction and repair of most high-performance sailing boats and is an excellent resource for wooden or GRP boat maintenance.

Sources of information about Epoxy

In the projects described on this web site I have used West Epoxy Resin (WEST is an acronym for Wood Epoxy Saturation Techniques). I can recommend visiting the relevant web sites which contain much more detailed information than given here and also include lists of suppliers world-wide.

Select this link to go to the website reference section on West Epoxy.

Additionally each pack of resin contains an instruction sheet.

Using Epoxy on a Lugger

Epoxy resin can be used for:

How Much to Buy?

For most purposes a 1.2 Kg pack (consisting of 1.0 Kg of 105 Resin & 0.2 Kg of 205 Hardner)will be adequate and will suffice for several projects. Currently this costs around 23 UK pounds.

How to use Epoxy

General points for guidance:

Step by step guide for mixing

What follows is designed to help those that have never used Epoxy before. It describes all the materials and equipment required and then gives an easy to follow guide to mixing and using.

Materials & equipment

Photograph of Epoxy Resin materials Figure. 1 Basic materials for mixing Epoxy.

(Click picture for larger view)

Measuring out the Resin


Measuring out the resin

Measuring out the resin

For this example 25 ml of resin and 5 ml of hardner are mixed. Put on the disposable gloves. Open the container of resin. Take one of the disposable syringes (if used previously make sure that it was the one used with resin!). Make sure the plunger is fully depressed then dip the end of the syringe into the resin container. Pull back on the plunger so that the colourless resin is drawn up into the syringe. Lift the syringe partially out of the container so it is possible to see the graduations on the side of the syringe. Gently depress the plunger expelling the excess resin back into the container until it measures exactly 25 ml.

(Click picture for larger view)

Expelling the resin from the syringe

Expelling the resin from the syringe into the beaker

Next take one of the plastic drinking cups and expel all the contents of the syringe into the cup by fully depressing the plunger. Take a clean paper towel and wipe off all the excess resin from the outside of the syringe - it can be re-used at a later date.

(Click picture for larger view)

Measuring out the hardner

Measuring out the hardner

Next open the container of hardner. Take another disposable syringe (if used previously make sure that it was the one used with hardner!). Make sure the plunger is fully depressed then dip the end of the syringe into the hardner container. Pull back on the plunger so that the yellow hardner is drawn up into the syringe. Lift the syringe partially out of the container so it is possible to see the graduations on the side of the syringe. Gently depress the plunger expelling the excess hardner back into the container until it measures exactly 5 ml.

(Click picture for larger view)

Expelling the hardner from the syringe into the beaker

Expelling the hardner from the syringe into the beaker

Next hold the syringe above the plastic drinking cup containing the resin (don't let the syringe come into contact with the resin), and expel all the contents of the syringe into the cup by fully depressing the plunger.

Take a clean paper towel and wipe off all the excess hardner from the outside of the syringe - it can be re-used at a later date. Make sure the screw stoppers are firmly replaced on both the containers of resin and hardner.

(Click picture for larger view)

Stirring the resin/hardner mixture

Take one of the wooden spatulas and stir the resin/hardner thoroughly in the plastic drinking cup. The manufacturer recommends strirring continuously for 2-3 minutes. Scrape the corners of the cup and the sides to ensure an even mix.

Using the Resin

You will have about 10-15 minutes of pot life to use the resin before it starts to gel in the first stage of curing.

Compiled January 2002