WEST SYSTEM

Sailing Towards Learning: Circles Alternative Education’s Boat Project Empowers Youth with Community-Based Education

Circles Alternative Education is a non-profit community interest company. Its primary goal is to engage young people in learning through practical skills development. They focus on providing opportunities to those who are not in full-time education. Additionally, they specifically target individuals with special educational needs, particularly those who struggle with literacy skills. Unlike traditional schools ... Sailing Towards Learning: Circles Alternative Education’s Boat Project Empowers Youth with Community-Based Education More

28th April 2023

A Sailors Life Travelling With Rob Storrar

We’re excited to share Storrar Marine’s latest article from their newsletter and give an insight into owner Rob’s trip’s away. Find out what Rob takes with him on his travels which always come in handy when out on the water. In my man cave at Tynemouth I do keep a selection of adhesives including some ... A Sailors Life Travelling With Rob Storrar More

28th March 2023

Basic Techniques of Surface Preparation for Wooden Boatbuilding and Repair

Whether you plan on bonding, laminating, filleting, fairing or applying fabrics, the success of the application depends not only on the strength of the epoxy, but also on how well the epoxy adheres to the surface to which it is being applied.  Here are some key steps for surface preparation that can play a key ... Basic Techniques of Surface Preparation for Wooden Boatbuilding and Repair More

31st January 2023

Boat Building 2022 Projects – Top Picks

If you’re a regular follower of epoxycraft, you’ll know we like to feature projects on boat building and boat repair using WEST SYSTEM epoxy. We have thoroughly enjoyed hearing about many WEST SYSTEM projects this year, so we thought we’d share some fascinating ones with you! A World War 2 Restoration Project A boat steeped ... Boat Building 2022 Projects – Top Picks More

22nd December 2022

Restoring the WWII historic D-Day Boat (Sarinda, ML1392)

History Sarinda, also known formally as ML1392, built in the UK and completed on 20th December 1943.  Initially designed to protect the harbours and estuaries against submarines. ML1392 was built with two large rudders for ease of turning during anti-submarine attacks. In March 1945, ML1392 captured a German Biber Type midget submarine off Breskens in ... Restoring the WWII historic D-Day Boat (Sarinda, ML1392) More

16th December 2022

Mini-classes in using WEST SYSTEM epoxy at this year’s SIBS

Wessex Resins will be running daily product demonstrations over the course of Southampton International Boat Show (12:00 & 14:30 each day at stand J401, 16-25 September 2022). The mini-masterclasses will share the team’s specialist knowledge in getting the best out of the WEST SYSTEM range, how to use it, and what to use it for. ... Mini-classes in using WEST SYSTEM epoxy at this year’s SIBS More

31st August 2022

Lift off with an update from the team building the Astra-X

The UK’s pioneering rocket company Starchaser founded in 1992 is known for the UK’s biggest rockets and WEST SYSTEM® epoxy plays a role in supporting Starchaser’s efforts to get passengers into space. Find out what’s been happening since our last update. Back in 2020 the Astra-X, formerly known as ‘Nova 2’ was close to launching. ... Lift off with an update from the team building the Astra-X More

30th August 2022

Breaking the record – Hydroplane Part 2

After a long period of sanding, profiling and cleaning up, David and the team were able to cut, bend, shape and add the outer upper frames to the hull. “I’m a strong believer in that it’s all in the preparation,” explains David. The outer frames were secured using screws and WEST SYSTEM epoxy. The team ... Breaking the record – Hydroplane Part 2 More

20th July 2022

Malta: Annual Distributor Event

After 2 years what a way to bring back our annual distributor event – in the glorious location of Malta, in close proximity to the capital of Malta, Valetta. Malta has a strong maritime heritage and is renowned for its undisturbed bays and secluded anchorages making it a perfect place for boat enthusiasts and boaters. ... Malta: Annual Distributor Event More

13th June 2022

WEST SYSTEM® introduces G/flex 655-1 25ml twin syringe, perfect for small quantity applications

WEST SYSTEM® G/flex 655 is a toughened epoxy that makes permanent, waterproof, structural bonds. It absorbs the stresses of expansion, contractions, shock and vibration on joins, and it now comes in an easy-to-use ready filled twin syringe for working with small quantities. The handy twin syringe dispenses G/flex 655 resin and hardener at the same ... WEST SYSTEM® introduces G/flex 655-1 25ml twin syringe, perfect for small quantity applications More

19th May 2022

Man builds tank with WEST SYSTEM epoxy

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

21st July 2020

Better DIY with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy

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

31st May 2017

Recycling an oak slab

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

30th April 2017

Recreating Oakley sunglasses using carbon fibre

§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

31st January 2017

Repairing a plastic kayak

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

30th June 2016

The car built with WEST SYSTEM products

Check out the wonderful story of how car enthusiast Peter Warner rebuilt the body of an old Citroen 2CV with the help of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. Purchasing two large planks of wood felled from an ash tree, Peter got to work on Cretino – a name cleverly designed by rearranging the letters of a Citroen ... The car built with WEST SYSTEM products More

8th January 2016

Why use WEST SYSTEM epoxy resin ?

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

8th January 2016

How sheathing with WEST SYSTEM epoxy can reduce maintenance time and increase performance

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

30th November 2015

In love with their craft: how epoxy helps this classic boat builder

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

30th November 2015

Making your homemade kayak look professional with epoxy

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

31st October 2015

Using epoxy to restore a Fireball dinghy

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

31st October 2015

Fibreglassing boats – it’s all about the right epoxy

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

25th October 2015

Finding an alternative to caulk

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

30th September 2015

Fibreglass boat repair – restoring a honeycomb core

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

30th September 2015

Get the seal of approval with WEST SYSTEM epoxy

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

31st August 2015

Strengthen that paddle – epoxy repair to a traditional paddle

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

28th August 2015

Achieving cold-moulding perfection with epoxy resin

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

31st July 2015

Epoxy your way to a brighter finish with WEST SYSTEM

New to boat building, Kris Washington knew what he wanted to achieve for his ‘stitch and glue’ boat – a clear finish allowing the mahogany plywood of the top-decks to show through. Not only is this his first boat build, but also his first experience with bright finishing. Observe Kris’s journey and find out how ... Epoxy your way to a brighter finish with WEST SYSTEM More

31st July 2015

Stand up for epoxy

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

31st July 2015

Bringing Swamp Thing to life with WEST SYSTEM epoxy

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

30th June 2015

Hatching a plan with WEST SYSTEM epoxy

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

30th June 2015

Making a stunning steering wheel using epoxy

After several long trips sat half twisted on his wooden seats, one hand constantly on the tiller, this boat blogger had had enough and said, “That’s it! I’m sitting up front from now on!” This blog details the switch from tiller controls to remote – as readers are guided through the steps taken to make ... Making a stunning steering wheel using epoxy More

29th May 2015

Your new flexible friend: WEST SYSTEM G/flex

The clue is in the name. WEST SYSTEM G/flex is, well, flexible and as this blogger has discovered, that makes it particularly suitable for repairing kayaks. More

29th May 2015

Stitch and glue boat design with marine epoxy

Perfect for floating down stream and manoeuvring rapids, a drift boat is an essential build for anyone who loves spending time on the river. This video by Paul Butler offers a construction slideshow of the impressive wooden drift boat design ‘Clark Fork Drifter’ built using marine epoxy. Viewers can watch as Paul’s boat takes shape ... Stitch and glue boat design with marine epoxy More

29th May 2015

The future of boat building – strip planking with epoxy and less than ideal wood

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

30th April 2015

Fibreglass boat repair: how to install a raw water seacock

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

31st March 2015

Fibreglass boat repair – advice from a repair ‘newbie’

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

31st March 2015

Time saving tips when using epoxy resins

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

27th February 2015

Building an epoxy dinghy – in 25 hours

Is it possible to build a fully functional epoxy dinghy, in 25 hours with a budget of only $250? American boat enthusiast Brian strives to find out, giving readers a chance to pick up his hints and tips on getting speedy results from epoxy on a budget. With each stage of the purchasing and production ... Building an epoxy dinghy – in 25 hours More

27th February 2015

Thinning your WEST SYSTEM epoxy explained

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

27th February 2015

Revolutionise the restoration process: epoxy use in wooden boat repair

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

30th January 2015

Thicken your epoxy for more versatility

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

30th January 2015

Bailey Boat Cat: an unusual epoxy user

Bailey Boat Cat is a life jacket wearing, sea breeze loving Siamese cat – who blogs about his life cruising around the Italian coast. It seems that Bailey’s family have been working on multiple projects to renovate their vessel to ensure it’s ready for cruising safely and comfortably. He recently blogged about his ‘dad’s’ love ... Bailey Boat Cat: an unusual epoxy user More

28th December 2014

Sailing enthusiast trusts epoxy for his wooden boat repairs

Michigan based, sailing enthusiast and writer of ‘my2fish’ blog, shares his process on repairing wooden components of his three boats using WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy. Restoring the wooden parts of all three of his boats, two Sunfish and one Super Porpoise, the blog post follows the wooden boat repairs of two sunfish rudders and one daggerboard. The ... Sailing enthusiast trusts epoxy for his wooden boat repairs More

25th November 2014

Building a sustainable future: hand-crafting your very own boat

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

29th October 2014

Fibreglass boat repair – from scraping paint to naming

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

27th September 2014

TRADE SECRET Laminate a knee using marine epoxy

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

25th September 2014

Prevent damage to wooden structures with WEST SYSTEM epoxy

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

22nd September 2014

TRADE SECRET Wooden boat repair – how to install a new teak cap rail

Even without steam, wood can be remarkably flexible – and, indeed, just the job for installing a nice new teak cap rail on a yacht. This wooden boat repair can be a tricky process. Bending the wood can cause it to break or splinter at stress points. Luckily, Richard Toyne at Classic Boat has written some advice ... TRADE SECRET Wooden boat repair – how to install a new teak cap rail More

19th September 2014

Want to build your own skimboard? With epoxy you can!

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 skimboard can be daunting. But don’t worry – we are here to help! This video will show you how to construct a carbon ... Want to build your own skimboard? With epoxy you can! More

17th September 2014

Wooden boat repair: the basics of barrier coating

The components are assembled, the joint is bonded… what’s the next stage of your wooden boat repair? Before moving on to final finishing, don’t forget to apply a protective barrier coat to your wooden surfaces. Doing so will provide an effective moisture barrier and a smooth base for final finishing. Your WEST SYSTEM® Roller Covers ... Wooden boat repair: the basics of barrier coating More

16th May 2014

Got a gap to fill? See how in this WEST SYSTEM fairing demo

So, you’ve got your joint pretty much assembled. Now you need to make sure it blends with the surrounding surfaces. This is where final fairing and the epoxy filler comes in. A mixture of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy and a low-density filler is just the job for fairing. It involves filling and shaping low or uneven areas so they ... Got a gap to fill? See how in this WEST SYSTEM fairing demo More

15th May 2014

How to thicken epoxy with epoxy fillers

Have you already dispensed and mixed your epoxy and are now ready to start bonding or fairing? Watch our video to find out how to add epoxy fillers to get the ideal epoxy consistency for your purpose. The video also shows you examples of the four main consistencies of thickened epoxy and the applications each is suited ... How to thicken epoxy with epoxy fillers More

14th May 2014

Easy dispensing with WEST SYSTEM Mini Pumps

Whether you’re using large amounts of epoxy or small, getting the right ratio of resin to hardener is vital to ensuring a proper cure. Though it is possible to dispense epoxy using weight or volume measures, you might find it easier and more convenient to use the specially-calibrated WEST SYSTEM® 303 special ratio Mini Pump ... Easy dispensing with WEST SYSTEM Mini Pumps More

14th May 2014

WEST SYSTEM epoxy for stronger, stiffer, rot-free wooden boats

It’s lightweight, stiff and resistant to fatigue but, when subjected to rot, wood can lose strength, weakening the overall boat. Nexus Marine use WEST SYSTEM® epoxy coating on their wooden boats to keep the moisture out. Learn why they find epoxy useful for adhesive, coating, filleting and many more applications here: WEST SYSTEM epoxy and our wood/epoxy ... WEST SYSTEM epoxy for stronger, stiffer, rot-free wooden boats More

14th May 2014