Marine repair expert, Andy Miller, conducted an experiment to test a long-standing belief in the boating world: Can polyester-based materials, like gelcoat, bond with epoxy? This question is particularly relevant for users of WEST SYSTEM®, an established marine-grade epoxy. In his two-part YouTube video series, Miller mimicked real-world repair conditions and focused on three key ... Can Gelcoat and Epoxy Bond? More
The journey began with a two-year work experience stint at Topsail Charters located in Maldon. This time served as an introduction to the intricate world of barges, where Sam Hicks was entrusted with the boats sailing and upkeep. “From there on I caught the bug of traditional boats and decided that was what I wanted ... How Did I Become a Skipper Through Boat Restoration? More
Both born in the UK, Julian and Sharon crossed paths in the Australian film and television industry. As special effects and prop makers, they were the unseen hands behind the magic of the silver screen. Sharon recalls, “In the days before Computer Generated Imagery (CGI), what you saw on the silver screen started with physical ... Is Brilliant II Their Real-Life Movie Set? More
Kayaking, a popular water sport, has seen significant advancements in technology over the years. One significant advancement is the use of PRO-SET® Epoxy in kayak construction. This technology leverages Vacuum Infused Fibreglass and Carbon Technology. This approach transforms kayak construction, providing a multitude of advantages compared to conventional methods. These materials demonstrate outstanding physical properties at room ... PRO-SET® Epoxy Kayaks with Vacuum Infused Fibreglass and Carbon Technology More
When you’re knee-deep in a project, the bonding stage is where things start to get exciting. It’s like seeing all the puzzle pieces come together. But to make that happen, you need two key ingredients: a clean and well-prepped surface, and the right kind of glue. Now, there’s this method called ‘two-step bonding’. Why is ... How Can You Make a Joint with Two-Step Epoxy Bonding? More
Epoxy is an ideal material for creating jewellery due to its versatility, durability, and ease of handling. Its ability to be poured into moulds or used as a coating on various surfaces, coupled with its vibrant colours and resistance to wear and tear, makes epoxy a perfect choice for crafting unique and long-lasting jewellery pieces. More
Chris, a man with a deep-rooted passion for artistry, was fortunate to grow up in a family that supported his creative interests. His father, an architect, and skilled at woodwork, instilled in him the value of creating bespoke pieces. “That spirit has stuck with me – why buy something off-the-rack when I can build exactly ... Celtic-Inspired Epoxy Woodwork More
Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, where the untamed coastline greets the sea, the Lochaber Coastal Rowing Club thrives. This tight-knit community’s pivotal focus is rowing, but it extends beyond mere physical exertion. The club is equally fervent about forging connections and celebrating heritage. “Lochaber Coastal Rowing Club was formed to promote and facilitate the sport ... Lochaber Coastal Rowing Club and the St Ayles Skiff Project More
Noticed Blisters in Your Gelcoat? What’s Next? You’ve just pulled your boat out of the water. There, you see it – blisters in your gelcoat. Ignoring them might seem like the easy way out, but it’s not. Neglect could lead to bigger problems like a complete hull overhaul, gelcoat removal, or even a full barrier ... Reparing Gelcoat Blisters on a Fibreglass Boat Using Six10 Epoxy? More
Choosing the right glass cloth is the starting point for any successful boatbuilding or repair project. Make the right choice with our four key selection criteria says technical expert, Hamish Cook. How to Navigate the Wide Range of Glass Cloths? Plain weave, biaxial stitched, twill weave, satin weave. The range of glass cloths available is ... What Glass Cloth Should You Choose for Your Boatbuilding Project? More
Working with WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy products opens up a world of creativity. The key to success is proper mixing. However, what happens when you want to make custom filleting tools? According to Hamish, your options are only limited by your imagination. Why is Epoxy So Versatile? Epoxy is incredibly versatile. In fact, you can use a variety of tools ... What Materials Can You Use to Make Custom Filleting Tools? More
I’ve been involved in sailing since my mid-teens, albeit more sporadically than consistently. Throughout this period, I primarily served as a crew member on various skippers’ boats, gaining a wealth of nautical experience. My most recent nautical adventures were based out of Oban on the west coast. It was during one of these journeys that ... Building ‘Lockdown’ – Working with Swallow Yachts More
Meet Glenn and Debbie, a devoted couple who have been sharing the joys of matrimony for 32 years. Nestled in the heart of Jimboomba, Queensland, they reside on a picturesque 5-acre rural property. Their passion for the sea is evident in their daily hour-long journey to their pride and joy, Speranza, a majestic 43-foot bridge ... Life Aboard Speranza More
Twelve years ago Mat Taylor began a career in teaching Design and Technology, finally putting his degree in Product Design to use. This quickly instilled a fascination for woodworking; he found himself irresistibly drawn to the neglected planes and chisels in the tool cupboard, eager to master the skills they represented and venture into the ... A Journey into the Boat Industry More
If you need strength and adhesion in a hurry, or if you’re worried about mixing epoxy accurately or don’t have the right tools to hand, WEST SYSTEM® Six10® pre-mixed adhesive could be the trade secret you’re looking for. What Makes Six10 a Perfect Choice for Various Applications? Six10 is a two-part, pre-thickened epoxy adhesive, perfect ... Why Choose Pre-Mixed Adhesive for Quick and Quality Results? More
Have You Ever Spilled Epoxy ? Need to remove epoxy from fabrics? We’ve all been there. You’re dressed to impress, ready to leave the house, and you decide to take a quick peek at your ongoing project in the workshop. And then, disaster strikes – a drop of epoxy lands on your favourite outfit. Why ... Remove Epoxy From Your Clothes? More
Have you got some broken jewellery that’s been on your to-fix list for a while? Or maybe you are waiting to glue a household item back together? Ever found yourself wondering about the best product to use for these kinds of repairs? The WEST SYSTEM G/flex Thickened Epoxy Adhesive is a resilient, all-around, two-component epoxy ... Fixing a ring with G/flex® 655 Thickened Epoxy More
How Can Epoxy Seal Sinks and Countertops? Did you know that your trusted WEST SYSTEM Epoxy can be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor home repairs, including fixing a cracked toilet or addressing plaster issues? You can use epoxy to seal the surfaces of high moisture areas, as well as the edges of ... Can WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy Improve Home Repairs? More
I presently hold the position of director at medical clinics situated across various locations in the Netherlands. The primary motivation behind building “anything” was the realisation that in contemporary times, we often fail to witness tangible outcomes of our efforts. The human mind is a fascinating tool, capable of processing complex monetary figures, numerical data ... A Director’s Boat Building Journey More
Have you always wanted to build your own skim board but don’t know where to start? Even if you have chosen the materials for your project, the next step to actually building a skim board can be daunting. But don’t worry – we are here to help! What materials do you need for your skim ... Can You Build Your Own Skim Board Using WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy? More
Water damage can significantly shorten the lifespan of a wooden boat. So, how can you defend your boat against water penetration and keep it looking smart for longer? How Does Marine Epoxy Help in Waterproofing Surfaces? Coating with marine epoxy is a fantastic strategy for waterproofing surfaces and preventing wood rot. However, there are some ... How Can You Protect Your Wooden Boat from Water Damage? More
There’s something about a well-varnished wood trim on boats that catches the eye, isn’t there? But let’s be honest, the traditional method can feel like it’s taking forever. Waiting two weeks for twelve layers of varnish to dry? That’s an entire summer if you’re in the UK! Can We Speed Up the Varnishing Process? You ... Want Quick, Well-Varnished Wood For Your Boat’s Trim? More
A few years ago, at the age of 28, I found myself residing along the Thames in Buckinghamshire. My journey into the boat industry began, above all, with a growing interest in sailing. Nevertheless, it was wooden boat construction that indeed caught my attention. This enthusiasm led me to enrol at the International Boatbuilding Training College in Lowestoft in ... How Did a Passion for Sailing Lead to a Career in Traditional Wooden Boat Construction? More
Not sure whether epoxy has what it takes to fix your fibreglass boat repairs? “It’s versatile, strong, reliable – and more than a match for polyester resin”, says Hamish Cook, Technical Guru at Epoxycraft. Fibreglass boats – like all boats – get damaged. It’s inevitable. Collisions and groundings cause everything from small nicks to serious ... Why Is Epoxy The Best Choice For Fibreglass Boat Repairs? More
Understanding Epoxy Resin Requirements This is a question the team at WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy get asked a lot. According to technical expert David Johnson, it’s important to have a good idea of how much epoxy resin your project is going to need before you start. You want to be sure you have enough to hand ... How Much Epoxy Resin Do I Need? More
It’s one of the most common questions: why isn’t my epoxy curing? Fortunately, when it comes to WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy products, it’s quite easy to work out precisely what’s happening. We spoke to our technical guru Hamish Cook to find out what can go wrong and how avoid it happening again. I regularly get emails ... Why Isn’t My Epoxy Curing? More
In the realm of DIY and home improvement, the saying “necessity is the mother of invention” rings true. We’ve all found ourselves in situations where we’ve had to improvise with the wrong tool. This usually happens because the right one has mysteriously disappeared. But what if you could repurpose some of the tools already in ... How Can a Razor Blade Be Used in Your Workshop? More
So, you’ve decided to give resin art a try? Congratulations, you have an exciting journey ahead of you. Check out our beginner’s guide. From the very start, it can be easy to jump straight in without doing your research. But resin art comes with its own set of challenges and there’s a lot to learn, ... Looking to Start with Resin Art? A Beginner’s Guide More