poly resin

Eric Esper

Eric Esper

Active member
Fellas, is there a significant difference between the poly resin to be found at a marine goods store and the more pedestrian product to be found at a Lowes or Home Depot at a markedly less expensive price? This is Poly not Epoxy.
 
Poly does have different mixtures and adatives that give it properties to perform better in different enviroments. Those specific to marine use, typically cure to a consistency with less pores and voids. The stuff at HD and Lowes is pretty much a standerd all around use product. It could work for some projects, even hulls but just keep in mind - it is still poly. I have done a couple of strip kayaks in it with good results. If you are putting a project together that is more experiement pol;y is a great cheap medium.
D-
 
Biggest difference is between laminating poly and finishing poly. Laminating resin will not cure completly in air. Finishing resin contains a waxlike material that permits it to cure.

Frank
 
Eric,

I'm far from an expert but have used the "hardware store" poly in the past with good results. The biggest problem for me is getting a consistent mix ratio when I mix small batches. It is hard to measure the concentrated liquid hardener accurately. The best way I've found is to very carefully and gently squeeze the tube slowly enough to count drops. Once you get the hang of it you can duplicate the mix from batch to batch, ie. one ounce of resin needs "x" number of drops hardener.

I've never used a true "marine" poly so I can't give you a comparison.
 
Boats like Carstens Pintail and Canvasback are made from polyester resin. Do they hold up?

Does anyone use epoxy resin for comercial duck boats?
 
Hello, There are a lot of different types of polyester resins. ISOs, ORTHOS, DCPDs and blends of all of these. The resins at Home Depot and the so called marine resins at your local marine dealer are all about the same. Most have surfacing agent so they cure tack free. Many also have airacil which is fumed silaca to thicken the resin to make it more sag resistent. The problem is the airacil also takes away the resins abilaty to wet out the fiberglass. If you have a local fiberglass shop or a professional marine repair shop that will sell you the resin they use I would buy that. It doesn't have all the junk added and will wet out the glass the way it should. Hope this helps. Sincerely, Tom.
 
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