Which resin?

[Mattwarner]

Hi, I am reinforcing my first hull with carbon cloth, what resin should I be using (the hull is a CF Daytona/genesis) I am from the UK and can find zpoxy and west systems so would this be best or would any resin for glass fibre do??

Thanks

[Fluid]

I use Z-poxy Finishing Resin PT40. It is thin enough to soak through the cloth, ends up plenty hard, and has virtually no shrinkage. It has stuck to every hull I've used it on.



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[Mattwarner]

Thanks it comes in 12oz is that gonna be enough?

[Fluid]

How big is the boat? How much cloth will you use? That should be enough for a handful of boats depending on their size and amount of cloth in each.



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[LarrysDrifter]

Ive used the same resin in a couple boats being built. Havent run them yet, but the Zpoxy Finishing Resin looks very promising. Since Ive used it for the carbon cloth, I also used it to mount the rails and stuffing tube supports in. Figure it ll stick best to itself and I did sand the fiberglass hull and the resin before mounting the rails and such, but sanding and prepping goes without saying.

[martin]

I have the West resin which ive used quite a lot over a number of years but started using the Z-poxy finishing resin. I think the Z-poxy is a much better resin & thats what ill be using in future. Martin.

[tlandauer]

I guess I have it all wrong: I've been using 30 min. ZPoxy to reinforce a used hull with FG tape/cloth. I thought it worked but now I think I should have used the Finishing Resin instead. What is the real difference between the two? The sales person at my LHS told me regular 30 min. resin is much harder and therefore I thought that is better, but I know you guys are experts, I should have asked before doing that!

[Fluid]

I used to use 30-minute epoxy, thinned with alcohol. If it isn't thinned first it won't penetrate the cloth as well, plus it seems softer after adding the alcohol (probably due to the water in the alcohol). After I tried the finishing resin I never went back, it is thin but not too thin and dries harder, is easier to use and gives a better finish.

"Z-Poxy Finishing Resin is a premium light weight two part epoxy laminating/finishing type resin. Use for fiber-glassing the center section of a wing or the entire airplane. Great for sealing model boat hulls, inside and out. Use to seal all engine and fuel tank areas. It is absolutely the best for sheeting foam wing panels. It will bond to itself and does not get brittle with age. Long cure formula for easy application, sands easily for a smooth finish and is compatible with many polyester resins."



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[tlandauer]

Thanks, Fluid! I learned something! feels good!

[Basstronics]

Ive been using the stuff from hobby king. Its cheaper than Zpoxy stuff and so far I have no complaints.

[iamandrew]

The hobbyking stuff is actually glue, its not really epoxy resin thats designed for laminating fibreglass.Its for more like, gluing pieces of stuff togehter, brackets etc

[Basstronics]

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...idProduct=8461

Its Epoxy... What is Zpoxy? This is thinner than the other epoxies Ive used. It flows right into the glass or weave.

[LarrysDrifter]

On another note with the Finishing Resin is you can add milled fiberglass to thicken it up to whatever consistensy you like. Ive read a few comments about adding Microballoons to epoxy, but Ive never used it. It very well could be the same thing, but Im not sure. Im also not sure if adding milled fiberglass compromises the strength of the Resin. Ive only recently used them together, but, so far so good.

[LarrysDrifter]

Z Poxy is a brand name of epoxy. OSE sells it and it can be found in some local hobby shops.

[iamandrew]

Oh i didnt see that epoxy, i think ive got the other stuff. I would be weary of any 30 minute cure time epoxys if your looking for a very glossy finish