Online Learning: How to use epoxy, best practice and new techniques
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of owning a boat that’s uniquely yours. With WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy, you can build a strong, durable, and eye-catching plywood boat that perfectly suits your style and needs. The foundation of your boat is the plywood. Choose marine grade plywood, specifically designed for water-based projects. Consider factors like thickness, ... How to Build Your Very Own Plywood Boat with Marine Epoxy More
Stan Orme, a man who spent most of his career in Telecommunications, always had a special talent. He had a knack for building things, a talent he described as his “first love”. Along with his wife, they didn’t just reside in houses but breathed new life into them. They undertook the renovation of multiple homes ... Can Woodworking Dreams Float? More
Given a holiday week with poor weather and changed circumstances I once more took up the tools and materials that I love so much. In an effort to keep at bay the maintenance and DIY tasks on our 110 year old cottage. The summer house in the corner of our garden needed a new roof ... DIY Garden Roof – Quick Epoxy Fix? More
Don’t panic! A hole in a fibreglass boat is a common issue that many boat owners face. Thankfully, it’s not only easy to fix, but the repair process can also be a great opportunity to learn more about your boat’s construction and maintenance. How do you assess the damage? The first step in any repair ... How Can You Repair a Hole in a Fibreglass Boat? 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
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 ... Repairing Gelcoat Blisters on a Fibreglass Boat Using Six10® Epoxy? 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
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
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
During the UK January lockdown, we set our team a challenge. We sent them a bag of Entropy Resins® goodies and asked them to get creative. In this article, we highlight the work of Gary Thompson. Gary has been a hobby artist for many years so we knew to expect something incredible from him… and he ... Make Biobased Coasters from Home Art? More
Are you used to standing in a dust cloud when you mix lightweight filler into your epoxy? There’s a handy technique to avoid that. David Johnson tells all. I have to be honest – no-one ever asks us how to go about mixing a filler into epoxy. In fact, I wondered briefly if it was ... What are the Efficient Techniques for Mixing Lightweight Filler into Epoxy Resin? More
Over the years, the industry has undergone evolution, significantly altering board designs and sourcing bio-based materials like resin. Located on the stunning Welsh coast, JP Surfboards has crafted numerous boards over time. They have led the way in constructing adaptive boards for individuals with disabilities How are Adaptive Boards Made? The first adaptive board build ... How Does A Surfboard Shaper Design Boards To Inspire Surfers? More
We set our team a challenge! We sent them a bag of Entropy Resins® goodies and asked them to get creative. Find out what they got up to! We follow how Richard Ross designed and created a set of botanical bookmarks. “I wanted to create well cured, bubble-free, clear bookmarks with dried leaves cast inside them,” explains Richard. ... How to Make Botanical Bookmarks with Bio-Based Epoxy More
A Scottish boatbuilder, A & R Way Ltd (Lochgilphead), has embedded an electric propulsion system into a rudder on a new build Oban Skiff. Adam Way made a replica rudder with a core of Sapele and cheeks of larch, with an ePropulsion Spirit 1 Evo Remote inside. Adam dismantled, rebuilt and reconfigured the propulsion unit ... SCOTTISH BOATBUILDER USING WEST SYSTEM® EPOXY TO EMBED ELECTRIC PROPULSION INTO TRADITIONAL RUDDERS More
Whether it’s spending time at a street party or a BBQ with family and friends, getting party ready is always fun! What better way to get ready than by creating your own themed jubilee item or a gift for friends! We are really excited to be celebrating the Jubilee and celebrating with style. With that ... Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with a Custom-Made Epoxy Crafted Badge? More
In 2021, our technical guru Hamish Cook set out on an incredible project. Using a variety of tools, Entropy Resins® products, and Lego, Hamish made a wall hanging that he and his family will adore for years to come. In this walkthrough guide, Hamish details all the equipment he used, alongside step-by-step instructions on how ... How To Make a Decorative Wall Hanging with LEGO and Epoxy More
Isn’t Christmas just the best time to get our hands a little glittery and gluey? I totally agree! So, why not make the most of this festive season and create some unique Christmas tree decorations? You might be just starting your crafting journey or maybe you’re an epoxy crafting pro – either way, this project ... Make Christmas Tree Decorations? More
“I wanted to produce four coasters using Entropy Resins® Epoxy, the Soft and Vivid Colour Tints and the metallic gold pigment,” explains Colin, a former employer of Wessex Resins. “This was a joint project with my daughter and we had so much fun creating these coasters together.” Collaborative projects with your family are a great ... DIY Coasters at Home with Your Family? More
Have you always wanted to build your own skimboard 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 skimboard? Lay ... Can You Build Your Own SkimBoard Using WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy? More
To many a holidaymakers, Turkey is a haven of golden sand beaches, historic landmarks and party towns. However, it’s not just those looking to top up on their tan that are travelling to this beautiful country. Head up to one of the many spectacular mountains and you’ll find a thriving ski and snowboard industry. In ... How Are Snowboard Companies Using Designs To Make An Impact Globally? More
If you follow the M4 west as far as it goes, you’ll arrive in the small Welsh village of Crosshands, home to a ‘Panzerkampfwagen VI’ (more commonly known as the Tiger 1 tank). Among other materials local resident Mark Milward is using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy to build a half semi-scale model of the much feared, heavily armoured ... Man builds tank with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
Brad Rochfort is a garage shaper who takes the ultimate care with his boards. “People must be happy if they have to wait for a board.” The fact that people are willing to wait for months attests to the quality of his product. Created lovingly in Newquay, Cornwall using the finest bio-based Entropy Resins® with ... How Does Rochfort Customs Create Boards Using Entropy Resins®? More
Epoxy’s Cure Stages What is the difference between working time, pot life and cure time? All three are slightly different. Working time, also called open time, is the amount of time epoxy remains liquid between when you mix the resin and hardener and when it begins to gel. During working time, the epoxy remains workable ... Epoxy basics More
In part one of this series of how to build a wooden dinghy Steve Goodchild takes us through choosing a design, and making a jig for his Stornoway 16. “I’m essentially a fair–weather sailor,” says retired land surveyor Steve Goodchild. “The trouble is, the weather doesn’t seem to know that.” Nevertheless he decided to combine his two passions of wood working and sailing and build ... Steve Goodchild explains how to build a wooden dinghy (Stornoway 16) More
If you want advice on how to use colour with epoxy, read our top tips. The tints have been specifically designed for use with crystal-clear Entropy Resins® Clear Casting Epoxy, although the tints can be used with all the Entropy Resins products. Entropy Resins products are world renowned for their bio-content and sustainable attributes and ... How to use colour tints with epoxy More
If you’re finding that you’ve got bubbles when pouring clear casting epoxy, here are some simple techniques to help resolve the problem. Bursting bubbles using a little heat Use a hot air gun to heat and break the surface tension to burst the bubbles. This should be done as soon as possible after pouring. Care ... How to remove epoxy bubbles More
Preparing teak strips for bonding Here’s a tip for preparing a teak plank for a small-scale project such as a cockpit table, using teak and epoxy. It could work just as well on a complete deck. Mark at Aquamarine Ltd uses it whenever he wants to bond teak to a substrate rather than physically attach ... Tips from the Professionals (teak strips) More
James Case has been a member of Wells Sailing Club since he was a child. “It’s always had the same bar,” he says, “but when the club decided to do a major refit, we decided to make a new bar with a nautical theme.” Which is where his previous expertise as a self-employed boat builder ... Raising the bar with ENTROPY RESINS Clear Casting Resin More
The transparency of ENTROPY RESINS® CCR clear casting epoxy makes it ideal for the creation of a ‘river table,’ a furniture design that mimics a stream flowing between two ‘banks’ of wood. River tables (sometimes also called water tables) have become a sought-after piece of furniture as they combine traditional timber with clear cast resin ... Make a river table with ENTROPY RESINS More
When fitting out a bare hull or during a refit or renovation project you may find you need to attach some longitudinal or even vertical battens against the bare glass fibre. Read on to find out about fixing battens with epoxy. This process is particularly useful for attaching headlining or in this instance insulation to ... How to fix battens with epoxy (on a ferro hull) More
If you have to secure a screw or bolt into an area that is almost inaccessible from underneath, then this trick, using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy will prove a brilliant solution. The beauty of epoxy is that it remains a liquid for a useful working period after it has been mixed. This means it can travel ... The Great Sponge Trick More
We asked David Johnson, Sales Director at West System International, technical expert and sometime yachtsman (that last one is his own description!), what WEST SYSTEM® products he would consider to be dinghy park essentials. That is those products that you should have with you in the dinghy park this summer, whether you’re away for a weekend ... Dinghy Park essentials More
PART 1: STRIPPING AND PREPARATION If your teak deck is looking a bit thin and tired, or is lifting away from its substrate, or maybe if you just want a new design, now might be the time to start planning its replacement. A key ally in the process will be WEST SYSTEM® and PRO-SET® products. ... The secrets to renewing teak deck More
Hamish, one of West System Technical Team, has a solution for those times when accurate application of epoxy to make a repair on a small surface is key – trim your bristles! Here he explains how to adapt your brush for a delicate repair. “WEST SYSTEM 803 Glue Brushes have one inch bristles which are excellent for priming fillet joints, ... How to adapt your glue brush for a delicate repair on a small surface More
The summer months are a good time to restore weathered wooden fittings and trims. The long evenings allow them to be stripped, prepared and primed with WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin with 207 Special Coating Hardener for a rich, deep gloss. Before and after: This 50-year-old wooden pedestal and travel horse assembly was stripped back ... Dead wood? Bring out the gloss! More
Many older boats are made using plywood and this can deteriorate with age, especially if rainwater has been able to penetrate the paint layers. WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy will repair and preserve the wood for many years to come. PREPARATION AND REPAIRS The cabin on my ferro-cement boat was made from 1 inch (25mm) marine plywood back ... Protecting bare plywood with epoxy More
A step-by-step demonstration of how to make a Canadian canoe using vacuum infusion with PRO SET epoxy, presented by West System International. More
One of the key advantages of learning from the experts is that you pick up some great tips for saving time and money when using epoxy products. Here are some from the recent Beginners Course held at WEST SYSTEM Warehouse in Romsey: Suffering hair loss? “You’ll get through a lot of cheap brushes when working ... The Top Tips for Beginners from the WEST SYSTEM® Course? More
Andrew Wolstenholme is the renaissance man of naval architecture. He’s designed everything from classic broads sailing yachts to production powerboats and gentlemen’s launches, and he’s more prolific than ever. Epoxycraft asked him how he first got interested in boat design; what drives his design philosophy and why so many of his boats use wood/epoxy construction ... Q&A with Naval Architect Andrew Wolstenholme More
If you need to know how to mend a puncture in fibreglass, check this out. This boat owner’s 17ft fibreglass boat sustained a major hit in a storm which caused a puncture hole in the hull. John used the WEST SYSTEM® Mini Pack after it was recommended to him, to mend the hole himself – ... How to fix collision damage in fibreglass (boat hull repair) More
If you’re going to spend your time off doing jobs around the house instead of reading the paper or going to the pub, you at least want repairs that look great. Get the results you need with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy, says our DIY master David Johnson. Our epoxy guru David has jobs to do around ... Better DIY with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy More
When this DIY enthusiast was offered a free oak slab from an old tree which had been cut down, he jumped at the opportunity to turn it into something incredible. This great little blog documents his process of turning the spalted chunk of wood into a beautifully finished table – with a little help from ... Recycling an oak slab More
Is one or more of your lifeline stanchions coming away from its base? It’s a common problem but it’s vital that it’s fixed quickly. A repair with thickened WEST SYSTEM® epoxy and fibreglass will do an excellent job, as our technical expert Hamish explains. There’s a lot of stress placed on the humble stanchion. Often ... We asked Hamish… how do you repair a stanchion on a fibreglass boat? More
We found yet again another useful video made by Andy Miller, teaching you how to give teak a professional wood finish. This easy to follow two-part series walks you through each stage step-by-step – the first part, linked here, begins by running through the materials you’ll need and how to use epoxy to prepare the ... Varnish like a pro! More
Many of the boatbuilders featured in epoxycraft talk about using peel ply in their builds. But what is it and why is it so great? We ask our resident expert Hamish Cook to explain what it is, the benefits it offers and how best to use it. Peel ply is often talked about by boat ... We asked Hamish: tell us about using peel ply? More
Check out this great little post from boating enthusiasts Dave and Angi in Ontario, Canada. The pair have documented their experience of building a new rudder for their boat, Dickerson 32 Aft Cockpit Ketch, originally purchased in 1999. Complete with photos, you can really get a good idea of the process here. Read the whole ... Building a new rudder for a ketch More
If you’re new to the world of epoxy and want to learn from the very basics, we have the perfect blog for you. This great guide walks you through everything you need to know about using WEST SYSTEM products – from the types of applications it can be used for, to the various curing stages. ... Back to Basics With WEST SYSTEM Epoxy® More
§We loved this entertaining two-part blog from carbon fibre enthusiast Paul Carpenter. Paul, who is also a huge fan of the Oakley brand, decided to try and replicate a pair of their sunglasses using carbon fibre fabric from eBay and our very own WEST SYSTEM epoxy – and the result was fab! Paul’s blog relays ... Recreating Oakley sunglasses using carbon fibre More
In this article, our technical expert Hamish Cook shares his passion for archery – and talks us through how he built a traditional flatbow in bamboo and epoxy. The flatbow is the most traditional and ancient bow of them all. In prehistoric times before gunpowder was invented, this tool was used by tribes around the ... Build A Bamboo Archery Bow? More
Wooden slabs are rapidly becoming the popular choice amongst home owners and interior designers to create beautiful and unique pieces of furniture – and even works of art. We came across this really useful blog showing how you can turn live edge-slabs, slabs with uneven surfaces or even slabs with deep holes in them, into ... Finishing a live edge wooden slab using epoxy More
Got a lot of epoxy filleting to do? Or quite a few holes to fill? You might want to think about using a piping bag. It’s quick, clean and easy – and below, we explain exactly how to do it. Whenever we go along to trade shows and boat shows, we typically demonstrate how to ... Using a piping bag with epoxy More
It’s very important to dispose of unwanted epoxy safely. Fortunately, disposing of PRO-SET®, WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy and Entropy Resins® is easy if you follow our advice. We recently heard from a customer who had tried to flush some uncured epoxy down the toilet. However, it didn’t flush away and instead stuck to the bottom of ... Dispose of Epoxy Safely? More
We loved this great blog post from Peter Brown, which he posted after receiving countless requests to re-create these beautiful secret wood rings. Peter takes you through this step-by-step process, complete with clear photos as well as a link to a video documenting the entire process. If you’re feeling creative then why not try it ... Re-creating stunning secret wood rings More
On the face of it, ‘flame-treating’ a flammable material like plastic may seem like a strange thing to do. However, this useful technique is vital for creating a better bond between epoxy and plastic. Technical expert Hamish Cook is on hand to guide you through the process. Plastic and duck feathers have a lot in ... We asked Hamish…How do you flame-treat plastic? More
We’ve all had those times when we only needed a little bit of epoxy. Maybe to fill in a chip, fix something that’s broken in the house or to glue something small together. How do you mix a small amount, properly? WEST SYSTEM®’s very own technical advisor, Hamish Cook, explains all. I’ve had a couple ... How to Mix Small Amounts of Epoxy Resin and Hardener? More
Can You Fix a Broken Roof Box? Technical expert Hamish Cook is always ready to answer your questions about epoxy. This month, we received a question about how to repair a broken roof box. Here, Hamish shares his expertise to help you fix and save money. What Causes a Roof Box to Break? We recently ... What are the Seven Easy Steps to Fixing a Roof Box? More
Accidents happen, and car bumpers bear the brunt of many of them. Whether it’s a hidden obstacle while reversing or a careless driver in a parking lot, bumper damage is all too common. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how you can repair your car bumper yourself in these easy steps: Start by ... Fix a Bumper With G/Flex® Epoxy? More
There could be all sorts of reasons why your buoyancy tank needs mending. Maybe you’ve had an accident when transporting your boat? Perhaps the weather hasn’t been kind to it. Or maybe just the passing of time has taken its toll. Whatever underpins the problem, here we explain how to repair your buoyancy tank in ... Repairing a buoyancy tank with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
This a great DIY resource we found for repairing damage to the bow of a canoe. Eb’s Source For Adventure have created this handy blog with a step by step guide – complete with photos – on how to make and apply a skid plate to protect your composite canoes against damage. From preparing the ... How to apply skid plates to your canoe for added protection More
If you’re new to the world of epoxy and just don’t know where to begin, this simple guide is great to get you up to speed with everything epoxy-related. From discussing the key applications epoxy can be used for, to explaining filler terminology and curing stages, you will have all of the information you need ... Epoxy: the basics More
We found this great resource from a sea-water kayaking enthusiast and blogger, taking you through a simple and easy method for repairing chipping on a soft wooden paddle. Complete with images to support the process of fixing a chipped paddle, this is a great source if you’re looking for a way to fix your paddle ... Fixing a chipped paddle More
We loved this informative do-it-yourself blog on fixing a damaged Kevlar canoe. If you are looking for a guide to mending light damage then this is the resource for you. It takes you through a simple 11 stage process, covering everything from finding the right resin kit to sanding and finishing the repair. You can ... Fixing a damaged Kevlar canoe More
We found this interesting read from Kayaking enthusiast Bryant Burkhardt explaining just how to repair a crack in his cross-linked plastic kayak with WEST SYSTEM G/flex® epoxy. Bryant explains why it’s so important to use a product that fixes the hole or crack in the kayak rather than just filling it, whilst also sharing his ... Repairing a plastic kayak More
The Merlin Rocket. The Osprey. The 505. The Mirror. The International Moth. What do all of these classic dinghy designs have in common? They’re experiencing a resurgence in popularity – and that’s largely thanks to epoxy resin. We spoke to technical guru David Johnson to find out why. Dinghy racing has its roots in the ... Why epoxy is re-energising the racing dinghy More
Epoxy really is a life saver when it comes to common wooden boat repairs. Instead of having to replace entire damaged plywood panels, these areas can be removed and replaced using epoxy to create a strong and resilient wooden boat repair. Boatbuilding with plywood and epoxy has become more popular in recent years. The simplicity ... Replacing damaged plywood sections with epoxy More
This is a great resource from a fellow sailing enthusiast working on refinishing the rudders and daggerboards on his boats. The blog takes you through a step-by-step process to complete the task from stripping the pre-existing finish to sanding and using WEST SYSTEM epoxy to fill any holes and cracks. We also liked that this ... How to perform a rudder and daggerboard repair using WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy More
Barrier coating provides a great way to protect your boat against sun damage and moisture, whilst also supplying a smooth and stable base for your finishing coat. However, if the barrier coating has been damaged, you will need an easy way to restore the coating to ensure your boat is still protected from moisture. Here, ... Four steps to repair barrier coating with epoxy More
Are you working on some DIY projects and looking for ideas to make things go more smoothly? Why Use Cable Ties for Stitching? When it comes to stitch-and-glue boat construction, the traditional method involves using copper for stitching. But Hanneke Boon from James Wharram Designs suggests a different approach: cable ties. “They’re cheap, easy to ... How Can Epoxy Improve Your DIY Projects? More
When you’ve spent time carefully building or renovating your boat, it seems a shame not to be as diligent with the final steps of giving your boat the perfect finish, smoothing edges and removing unwanted irregularities. A cabinet scraper will remove any trace of irregularities from the surface of an epoxy coating, making it the ... How to make and use a scraper on epoxy More
By the time you notice blisters on the bottom of your hull, the process of osmosis is usually in an advanced stage, meaning you may be facing a large repair job. But fear not: by using the right products and techniques, you’ll save yourself time and hassle. Here, technical expert Richard Ross tells us about ... Osmosis treatment: how repairing and barrier coating with WEST SYSTEM epoxy will return your hull to almost new More
Planning on using a moulding tool to make an epoxy composite part? You’ll want to ensure the part releases cleanly from the moulding tool. Plus, of course, the finish on your moulded part must be flawless. Our resident technical expert David Johnson walks you through the process. The simple way to achieve both of these ... How to apply release agent to an epoxy moulding tool More
For decades, carbon fibre has been used purely for its lightweight properties, hidden away under the skin of the world’s fastest yachts – but not anymore. Furniture-maker Nicholas Spens puts the black check fabric centre stage in his sinuous, state-of-the-art designs and he trusts PRO-SET® epoxy to add a brilliant and robust finish. “Under ... Composite furniture that’s ahead of the curve More
Ever thought about setting off into the sunset to start a new adventure? That’s exactly what this Canadian couple did when they sold their house and bought a boat to travel the world as live-aboard cruisers – despite never having sailed before. So when they discovered this wonder of a crack during their trip they ... Every boat owner’s dream – but what happens when it starts to crack? More
We loved this fantastic blog post by Brian Milby showing you his process for extending the engine room bulkhead to the bilge. If you’re looking for tips and advice on this, you’ve come to the right place, Brian’s post covers everything from water washing and sanding to bonding with epoxy. Follow Brian’s detailed step-by-step process, ... Extending the engine room bulkhead to the bilge More
Fairing a hull may seem like an overwhelming task but there are ways that you can make the process a lot easier, whilst also achieving a great smooth finish. Before using fairing boards for final fairing, why not try working with a grinder? You will need to be careful handling the device in order to control ... Our top 5 tips for fairing a hull More
WEST SYSTEM G/flex® speciality epoxy is a sensible investment if your aluminium boat is in a little need of TLC. The exceptionally strong holding qualities are designed to provide unbeatable grip to plastics, glass, masonry, fibreglass, wood and metals, such as aluminium. The bonds that it creates are strong enough to endure shocks, knocks, expansion ... 7 easy steps to restoring a leaky aluminium boat using epoxy More
We were really impressed with this brilliant blog post from epoxy first timer, Dan. He has documented the entire process from start to finish of how he set about fixing a loose thru-hull on his 1981 Nor’sea boat. The easy-to-follow guide comes complete with photos, as well as an account of all of the products ... Fixing a loose thru-hull with epoxy – a first timer’s account More
Do you ever need to thicken and change the colour of your epoxy – to fill a split or a screw hole perhaps? Adding sawdust or sanding dust to it can seem like a resourceful way to thicken epoxy but that’s not actually the case. Technical expert Hamish Cook explains why. 1. The chemistry doesn’t ... Three reasons not to thicken epoxy with sawdust – and what to do instead More
If you notice that plywood joints are beginning to deteriorate, it’s time to take some action. These three steps make for a simple and easy wooden boat repair that will help you avoid ending up with a leaky boat, which is the last thing you want! Due to its lightweight yet strong qualities, plywood is ... Three easy steps to rebuilding a plywood joint More
There are several methods for repairing laminates on your fibreglass boat but the most effective way is vacuum bagging. This will give you the nearest result to the original. Whilst it’s considered an advanced technique, with the right process, anyone can perform a decent repair job using vacuum bagging – especially when you have us ... How to repair laminates using vacuum bagging More
Technical expert David Johnson gave this informative talk on his best methods for repairing fibreglass at METS back in November. This special Pecha Kucha presentation features 20 slides, each with 20 seconds per slide, won’t take you more than 7 minutes but could save you valuable time when you come to your next repair job. More
We recently came across this fantastic blog post from Paul Calder, as he completes the final stages of the fibreglass work for the cockpit sole of his current boating project. See the photos following his progress and achieve a smoother and more efficient fairing process with Paul’s tried and trusted methods. Read the article in ... Tips for fairing the cockpit sole of your boat More
Trying to fibreglass the bottom of a hull by yourself can be tricky but you can put your struggles to one side once you read this fantastic resource on how to do it. Following a technique similar to hanging wallpaper, this article from experienced hand Tom Pawlak runs you through a comprehensive nine-point process for ... Techniques for fibreglassing overhead More
This is a great resource for those of you who need to mix larger batches of epoxy resin and hardener. When you mix epoxy and hardener, an exothermic reaction occurs which releases heat. The more you mix, the more heat will be generated and subsequently the faster the epoxy will cure, which can be difficult ... How to control exothermic reaction when mixing epoxy More
How do you ensure that your hardwood structure doesn’t lose its natural sheen over the years? According to engineer and experienced boat restorer Mark Raynes, the answer is preparation, preparation, preparation – plus a good dose of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. You can’t beat the look of natural wood on a boat. On my MANCHESTER AND ... How to keep your hardwood structure looking naturally beautiful with epoxy More
We came across this fantastic article from custom boat builder David Roberts of Nexus Marine Corporation on how best to use WEST SYSTEM® epoxy resin and how this versatile marine epoxy has revolutionised wooden boatbuilding. “Built with WEST SYSTEM epoxy” is a claim Nexus Marine proudly make on their boat builds. They go on to ... Why use WEST SYSTEM epoxy resin ? More
There are fewer things more beautiful than a teak deck with sharp black seams. Every classic boat has them – like Mark Raynes’ MANCHESTER AND SALFORD lifeboat. Here, he talks us through the restoration of his stern deck, step by step. Traditionally, a teak deck was made from one- to two-inch thick planks and the ... Restoring a laminated teak deck with epoxy/graphite seams More
Captain Glenn James of the Bounty Hunter guides you through his detailed instructions on how to expertly sheath a wooden boat with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. In doing so he added many years to Bounty Hunter’s life, reduced ongoing maintenance time and boosted performance – the dryer and lighter hull increased her top speed from 15 ... How sheathing with WEST SYSTEM epoxy can reduce maintenance time and increase performance More
We wanted to share the passionate story of father-son team Dave and Scott Wrzesinski and their Marine Services Unlimited boatbuilding shop. From their small shop in Lake Houghton, Michigan, USA, Dave and Scott rebuild classic boats, both wooden and fibreglass, including a 1957 Chris Craft 21ft Continental – one of only six ever produced. They ... In love with their craft: how epoxy helps this classic boat builder More
What do you do when you find blisters in the gelcoat of your boat? Leave them and hope they may disappear? If you do that, you could be creating a bigger fibreglass boat repair job for yourself in the future. Blisters in your fibreglass boat don’t have to be the end of the world but ... Fibreglass boat repair: six steps to fixing gelcoat blisters with Six10 epoxy More
There’s nothing more satisfying than applying that final finish coat after a long project. At the same time, there’s nothing more frustrating than waiting week after week for all those layers of varnish to dry. “Varnishing is often a time-laboured process…But there is a way to achieve the perfect varnish, in less than half the ... How to effectively varnish – in under a week More
West System International Technical guru David Johnson explains how to fix a rudder that’s taking in water. If there’s a top ten list of questions from boat owners who want to carry out their own repairs, “how do I fix the rudder?” is almost certainly up there. Especially if the boat is 20 years old ... How to use epoxy to fix the rudder of a sailing yacht More
We recently came across a great story of how Geoff Morbey built a beautiful red cedar and oak kayak, with materials sourced from his own backyard. Geoff demonstrates what can be achieved with craftsmanship, dedication and WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. It certainly was a labour of love but we’re sure you will agree that the stunning ... Making your homemade kayak look professional with epoxy More
You’ll be amazed at the results achieved by Torie Morley and Toby Hamer in bringing back to life a Fireball dinghy which hadn’t been afloat for 20 years. With the help of layers of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy their efforts were suitably rewarded when they entered the 2014 Fireball nationals (and were given the nod of ... Using epoxy to restore a Fireball dinghy More
When it comes to protecting your wooden boat from water penetration, defence is the best form of attack. Coating with a marine epoxy like WEST SYSTEM® epoxy is the best way to waterproof surfaces and guard them from any unwanted ingress. But even the most diligent coater might miss a nook or cranny and leave ... Avoid unnecessary wooden boat repairs with marine epoxy More
We recently discovered an article from boat designer John Welsford about his tried-and-tested method for fibreglassing boat hulls. To avoid “spectacular failures”, John advocates using WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin® with WEST SYSTEM hardeners for consistently good results. Read John’s proven method here. Image credit: www.wooden-boat-building.nka888.com More
The thought of renewing double diagonal hull planks strikes fear into the heart of many an expert in wooden boat repair. But Mark Raynes has repaired 3,300 ft of it on his antique lifeboat the MANCHESTER AND SALFORD. In this blog he explains why there’s no need to panic and gives you his top tips ... How to repair double diagonal hull planks More
In his informative video, boatbuilder Jason Eke walks the aspiring coater through the process of sealing the deck and gunwales of a strip planked canoe with epoxy resin. Jason describes coating with the final layer of epoxy as one of the most rewarding parts of boatbuilding while he applies a layer of WEST SYSTEM 105 ... How to seal a deck with epoxy resin More
Boatbuilder Agur Paesuld is currently embarking on his latest boatbuilding venture, building a Wharram Tiki 21 catamaran – with nothing but the paper plans. ‘From Paper to Water’ is tagline of his blog, where he documents each stage of his build process. Through a variety of photos and time-lapse videos, we’re following Agur as he ... Reinforcing a keel with epoxy filler More
Robert, of boating advice blog www.lifeonthehook.com, likes to think he’s pretty handy around the boat. But there’s nothing more he dreads than caulking. In fact, Robert hates using caulk so much, he decided to abandon it altogether. When he decided to undertake the task of replacing two hatches on his fibreglass boat, he began to ... Finding an alternative to caulk More
When Miguel Mclawrence decides to undertake a project, he means business. So when he decided to conduct a major fibreglass boat repair he decided to rely on WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. Miguel chose to rebuild his laser dinghy with a honeycomb core and opted to use epoxy throughout the restoration to ensure a long lasting finish. ... Fibreglass boat repair – restoring a honeycomb core More
Marquetry is the boatbuilder’s opportunity to get creative with their craft. But a lot of us are more technical than artistic. Luckily, there are a few quick tips that can turn even the most creatively challenged among us into a master of marquetry. With the right advice and the right products, no boatbuilding task is ... Eight steps to mastering marquetry More
With plywood boats susceptible to rot, a solid epoxy coating is essential to fully protect your boat from moisture. This eHow article takes readers step-by-step through the process of sealing plywood using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. Follow this process to ensure your boat stays protected for longer. More
The most important thing to do when you encounter a hole in your fibreglass boat is to assess the damage thoroughly. If the damage to the skin is larger than 10mm it’s best practice to use a backing to support the wet fabric patch until the epoxy cures. Creating support at the back of a ... Fibreglass boat repair – letter box repair More
Over and over again we see boat builders on forums, support websites and YouTube seeking help to avoid a particularly annoying side-effect of using epoxy, amine blush. This waxy bi-product can have some difficult consequences if not dealt with correctly. Fortunately, there are some very quick and simple methods of getting rid of it. You’ve ... Amine blush: prevention is better than cure More
Priming with epoxy resin Canadian boat builder Jason Eke takes viewers through the stages of applying fibreglass cloth to a canoe using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. In video 1 of this two video series, Jason applies the initial epoxy layer and discusses how to make the application process as problem-free as possible using the right tools and ... Cloth up your canoe More
After finding his paddle had begun to chip due to contact with rocks, this blogger sought an alternative to traditional materials to repair and protect his stick. This blog documents the repair of a traditional wooden paddle carried out using thickened WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. By masking up, sanding and shaping a small amount of thickened ... Strengthen that paddle – epoxy repair to a traditional paddle More
Gary Thompson was visiting the famous Red Sky Craft boatyard in Kotka, Finland, when he came across a simple but ingenious solution to dispensing large volumes of WEST SYSTEM® G/flex epoxy. Allan Savolainen and his team at Red Sky are big fans of WEST SYSTEM G/flex 655 epoxy, using it for all their bonding applications. ... Epoxy pumps: when bigger is better More
Nexus Marine Corporation, a custom wooden boat building and design services company based in the US, explains how cold-moulding with epoxy resin is perfect for improving the integrity and longevity of your hull. Their website documents each building stage of the Admiral Phormio, a 34’ Odyssey sailing boat, including detailed photos and descriptions throughout. Discover ... Achieving cold-moulding perfection with epoxy resin More
Paddleboards, which help you almost walk on water, are all the rage right now. This blogger decides to undertake the task of building two hollow wood Kaholo 12’6” stand-up paddleboards, keeping a step-by-step photo diary of his project. The Kaholo’s are made from Okoume marine plywood, stitched-and-glued together and covered in fibreglass and epoxy, with ... Stand up for epoxy More
Blog writer Gary Willcox claims that applying epoxy to the frame of your sailing boat is “an absolute must” for anyone wanting to increase the performance of their boat. His in-depth article explains the step-by-step method of epoxying the frame of a Hobie 16 together to achieve a stiff, well-sailing boat. What’s more, his techniques ... Epoxy your sailing boat’s frame, one step at a time More
This blog documents the restoration of the beautiful small boat, ‘Swamp Thing’. With a little care and attention, even something that at one time seemed irreparable, is restored to its former glory with the help of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. More
Don’s inflatable dinghy was becoming a little threadbare and, without a motor, it was of little use when trying to row in the strong winds. With the help of his team, he decided to upgrade to a ‘stitch & glue’ dinghy. As well as being far more practical, this blogger thought it would make a ... Time for an upgrade More
Whilst giving their sailboat an upgrade, the Ceol Mors became concerned that the tiny little pits and crevices that had been worn into their hatch frames would provide an entry for salt water. Keen to avoid a replacement, Mark began hatching a WEST SYSTEM® epoxy plan to give their frames a new lease of life. ... Hatching a plan with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
Delamination is a common deck and hull construction problem which tends to get worse if left unattended. Eventually, it can reach a point where the overall structural integrity of the hull and deck may be compromised so it’s really important to know how to perform a high quality with this fibreglass boat repair. Delamination is ... Fibreglass boat repair – a solid solution to delamination More
When installing hardware it’s essential that you plan the process meticulously to avoid any safety issues or on-board damage along the way. This Trade Secret shares two methods to keep your hardware secure and watertight using WEST SYSTEM epoxy. At one time, installing hardware may have been seen as a process best left to the ... The perfect seal: installing hardware safely and securely with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
Fibreglass boats are known for their low maintenance and durability. However, with structural damage to the stringers a common issue, it’s essential to know how to make a replacement that will last. Although fibreglass boats tend to require less maintenance than their wooden counterparts, they’re not without problems. They suffer from many of the same ... TRADE SECRET: Fibreglass boat repair – replacing stringers More
Nobody wants a leaky boat. So when plywood joints start to deteriorate it’s time to start a wooden boat repair that will make sure your boat stays high and dry. Modern boat builders are frequently looking to produce designs that are lightweight, fast and strong. It’s why many of them turn to plywood. But it’s ... TRADE SECRET: Wooden boat repair – rebuilding a plywood joint More
You’ve got your masking tape to hand and the waterline is ready to be marked up against the boot-top. But when it comes to the crunch, sometimes you just need an expert hand. David Johnson, Technical Operations Manager at West System International, explains how to mask up correctly and what, exactly, it has to do ... Masking up: Best practice when working with marine epoxy More
No matter what material your boat is built from, just a single chink in its armour is enough to reduce its lifespan. A weak coating can be a big financial mistake and affect your vessel’s longevity. Gary Thompson, WSI Technical Expert, explains why defending your boat with epoxy is the best form of attack. Time ... Preventing a chink in your armour: coating with epoxy More
Own a fibreglass boat for any length of time and it’s likely you’ll end up with a few dings or scratches in the surface, or if you’re particularly unlucky even some larger structural damage. Fibreglass boat repairs can seem like a daunting process but, with the help of Boatwork’s Andy Miller’s step by step video, you ... Fibreglass boat repairs with epoxy More
In a world with limited resources, the need for alternative boat building methods is becoming more and more crucial. Renowned boat builder Ted Moore looks at how WEST SYSTEM® epoxy can be used to make use of less than ideal wood in a way that will stand the test of time. With 35 years of ... The future of boat building – strip planking with epoxy and less than ideal wood More
In rough weather, a sturdy hand rail is an essential. That’s why, when sailing adventurers Livia and Carol discovered theirs had become unstable, they began a speedy repair using their drill, screws and epoxy. This post takes readers through the simple steps they took to make this repair. (https://thegiddyupplan.blogspot.com/2010/06/grab-rail.html) More
Epoxy is the perfect solution to help with the common wooden boat repairs. Instead of replacing entire damaged plywood panels, damaged areas can now be cut out and bonded into place creating a strong and resilient wooden boat repair. Boatbuilding with plywood and epoxy has become a popular choice in recent years. The simplicity of this method ... TRADE SECRET: Wooden boat repairs – replacing damaged plywood sections More
Epoxy fillets can make a bond between components even stronger than the components themselves, ensuring that loads can be transferred between structures and panels effectively, with no risk of stress fractures or other structural issues. In this blog, David Johnson explains what they are and how they work. Following by the five steps that are ... How Can Epoxy Fillets Enhance the Strength of Your Boat’s Structure? More
Dry rot is the natural decay process that causes wood to discolour, crack, shrink and – worst of all – lose its strength. Fortunately, when the worst does strike, you can rely on epoxy to save the day. In the bilges, behind cupboard doors, at the bottom of the chain locker or under the bunks; ... TRADE SECRET: Wooden boat repair – repairing localised dry rot with epoxy More
David Johnson, West System International technical expert, explains why epoxy should be the only resin system you reach for if you’re looking to effectively sheath your deck or hull. The benefits of sheathing the key structural elements of a boat come down to one word: durability. By using glass cloth and the adhesive qualities of ... Sheathing with epoxy: your only choice of resin More
It’s pretty fundamental; if boats are not to sink their seacocks can’t leak. It’s also one of the reasons why any seacock repair must be done properly and with care. After discovering a loose seacock in his 1981 Nor’sea 27, boat repair aficionado Daniel set to work fitting a new, sturdier replacement using fibreglass and ... Fibreglass boat repair: how to install a raw water seacock More
After discovering a worrying crack in the hull of his boat, sailing enthusiast Mike describes how he set about repairing the damage using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy (http://www.zerotocruising.com/cracking-up). A self-confessed ‘newbie’ when it comes to boat repair, Mike takes readers through the simple steps he took to make his fibreglass boat repair. His blog, ‘Zero to Cruising’, ... Fibreglass boat repair – advice from a repair ‘newbie’ More
It’s something of a well-trodden path for many boat owners on a budget: to follow some simple plans in order to build a competitive boat at a fraction of the cost of buying that’s already been put together. Today, the home build kit boat dream tends to rely very much on modern materials such as ... Kit boats – held together with epoxy resin More
At one time, discovering a large hole in your aluminium canoe may have meant admitting defeat with a trip down to the nearest recycling bin. But, with the rising popularity of epoxy products for boat repair, there is now a long-term solution that can means your boat can withstand further knocks and pressure – and ... TRADE SECRET: How to patch holes in aluminium boats with G/flex epoxy More
When faced with a laminate fibreglass boat repair, there are several methods which could prove effective in achieving a decent repair. But nothing gets you quite as close to the original material as vacuum bagging. Although interpreted as a more advanced method, even the least experienced epoxy DIYer can perform a repair using vacuum bagging, ... TRADE SECRET: Fibreglass boat repair: repairing laminates using vacuum bagging More
Once you’ve assessed the damage to your fibreglass boat and carefully prepared your surfaces, it’s time to laminate glass fabric with WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy, as David Johnson explains. In an earlier blog, Preparing for a fibreglass boat repair, we looked at the importance of working out the extent and type of damage you’re facing – ... Repairing your fibreglass boat with epoxy More
In this blog on fixing a crack or hole in your fibreglass boat, David Johnson explains why – before getting to work – you need to carefully assess the damage and plan exactly what’s required. Abraham Lincoln once said that if you gave him six hours to cut down a tree, he’d spend the first four ... Preparing for a fibreglass boat repair More
Paul Calder, son of boat-systems guru and author Nigel Calder, is looking to find out more about boat maintenance and repair. His latest blog keeps readers updated with useful hints and tips for working with epoxy resins. He recommends the best containers for helping epoxy set and which utensils will help to get the most ... Time saving tips when using epoxy resins More
Charlie Hussey, a professional marine carpenter who uses wood to build, restore, repair and upgrade all types of boats, reveals his process for using epoxy on his informative blog: Charlie Hussey – Marine Carpentry. He is currently restoring M.Y Fortuna II. He began the restoration process earlier this year after hauling her out of the ... Marine Carpentry – repair, restoration and boat building More
Become an expert when thinning your WEST SYSTEM epoxy by reading Brian Knight’s article here. The detailed, scientific and informative article by Brian Knight appeared in Epoxyworks, published by the Gougeon Brothers, all about how to thin your WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. They answer that boat building question on whether thinning your epoxy is necessary, and ... Thinning your WEST SYSTEM epoxy explained More
The art of wooden boat repair has been revolutionised by epoxy. It’s now possible to perform a restoration on a boat in an advanced state of deterioration, without breaking the bank. In Douglas Heckrotte’s article, he tells us how he transformed his old boat into the sleek Flying Dutchman he had always wanted – and how replacing the eroding ... Revolutionise the restoration process: epoxy use in wooden boat repair More
Cutting epoxy cloth can be a messy task. But with Classic Boat’s simple tips, you can’t go far wrong. This short article shows that, when it comes to bonding fibreglass cloth with epoxy, it is possible to remove excess epoxy from the fabric without unravelling the cloth and littering your surface with epoxy threads. With ... How to cut epoxy cloth More
The writers at eHOW have created an easy-to-follow guide to building your own plywood boat using marine epoxy. This guide is registered at skill level easy, therefore any budding boat builders can give it a go! What do you have to lose? Follow the link here to begin building your very own DIY plywood boat. More
Adding a thickening agent, or a filler, to a two-part epoxy mix advances your game to a new level according to Tim Layton, an avid epoxy user. After experiencing some amateur failures when using epoxy he has now become somewhat of an expert and shares his tips on why adding a thickening agent can change ... Thicken your epoxy for more versatility More
According to Kurt Hughes, a lack of cash does not need to be the end of the road when it comes to building your dream boat. In fact, he insists you can get more boat for your money by building a plywood and epoxy model instead of a composite one. The multihull designer says you ... Build a boat without breaking the bank using plywood and epoxy More
Known for his superior knowledge and technique with epoxy, carbon and fibreglass, Russell Brown explains why he’s sticking to WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy in his latest blog post found on ‘Ports Townsend Watercraft Blog’. Russell has over 40 years of experience with boat building and repairs. He has sampled many different brands of epoxy, but insists ... We ‘stick’ with epoxy More
Norman Ralph, writer of ‘Tanks a lot, part 3’, taken from ‘Good Old Boat’ magazine explains how he repaired the diesel tank of his boat ‘Bluebonnet’ using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. Marine epoxy can cure numerous elements of your boat to prolong its life on the water. Norman is a loyal WEST SYSTEM epoxy user and it ... The epoxy ‘Cure’ More
Prevention is the best solution to keeping your boat healthy and on the water, according to the writers and boat fanatics at ‘Compass Marine how to’. Every boat has a ‘core’ that is in danger of becoming saturated and eventually rotting. Preventing this happening with the help of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy can hold your vessels ... Preventing core rot with WEST SYSTEM Epoxy More
WEST SYSTEM G/flex® speciality epoxy is an exceptionally strong epoxy, designed to provide unbeatable grip to plastics, glass, masonry, fibreglass, wood and metals – including aluminium. So if your aluminium boat is in need of a little TLC, G/flex is a very wise investment. As well as effectively repairing leaky rivets and seams, it creates ... TRADE SECRET: How to fix a leaking aluminium boat with epoxy More
Sustainable living is the future. This pair of boat-builders, Simon and Cat Holman, wanted to live sustainably by fishing locally, after hand-crafting their very own boat. Simon and Cat showed that not only is it achievable, it is also feasible even with a limited space – provided the right materials are available. By using epoxy ... Building a sustainable future: hand-crafting your very own boat More
Marine epoxy is a thoroughly useful material to have with you not just in the boatyard but out to sea as well. It can fulfil any number of purposes when you’re out and about, including small repairs and filling. Sailing Today have recently run a feature on how to go about choosing the most suitable epoxy for ... 6 things to think about when buying marine epoxy More
Willie Crear has been a boatbuilder and racer for over 50 years. Find out why he uses PRO-SET® epoxy on his projects as opposed to cheap polyester resin on his website. And see more about his I-20 and M-20 builds. Why Epoxy Resin, not Polyester? – Willie Crear, boatbuilder (http://www.williecrear.com/why-epoxy-resin-not-polyester.html) More
Fibreglass boat repair, the ultimate challenge for WEST SYSTEM epoxy, can it bond them closer together? This Rhode Island couple’s new GRP boat-building project is the ultimate challenge for any relationship. Follow them as they talk through all the trials and tribulations of fixing up a 1967 Pearson Ariel fibreglass boat. From avoiding boat-pox and removing a rudder to scraping ... Fibreglass boat repair – from scraping paint to naming More
It’s really quite tricky to find naturally occurring turns these days, where the grain is the shape you need to make a knee, or breasthook. But never fear! Richard Toyne at Classic Boat has explained how you can manufacture your own knee by bending thin layers of wood to the right shape and gluing them together ... TRADE SECRET Laminate a knee using marine epoxy More
Would you like to protect your wooden boat from damage caused by the salt and moisture in the air? Brenda Priddy at eHow has posted a simple six-step process for sealing wood using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. See what she had to say here: How to Seal Wood With West System Epoxy | eHow. More
Hamish Cook, Technical Adviser at West System International, explains why two-step bonding should be your first choice for structural strength. Two-step bonding is a straightforward process. You wet out the surfaces you want to join using a mix of resin and hardener – that’s step one. Then you add filler to the mix and use this ... Five reasons why two-step bonding with marine epoxy creates a better joint More
In this 8-page article on Sailing Today, our very own David Johnson shows that laminating using vacuum bagging is well within the reach of the reasonably skilled DIY’er. Starting with a second-hand laminated wooden centreboard from a Fireball dinghy, David uses the vacuum bagging process to create a strong rudder blade for a Swift 18. He ... Vacuum bagging made simple with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
Sometime after the fairing and shaping stage of you epoxy boat repair, but before final coating, it might be an idea to give the joints in your structure extra reinforcement and abrasion resistance by applying glass cloth. WEST SYSTEM® reinforcing fabrics are specially designed to do this and can be applied in multiple layers, or ‘laminated’ ... Epoxy boat repair: Protecting joints with reinforcing fabrics – it’s all in the layers More