EPOXY RESIN |
WEST SYSTEM Epoxy cures to a high-strength plastic solid at room temperatures, by mixing specific proportions of liquid epoxy resin and hardener. By using a simple "cookbook" approach you can tailor the handling characteristics and the physical properties of the cured epoxy to suit your working conditions and specific coating or bonding application.
1.
Start with 105 Resin, the basic ingredient of all WEST SYSTEM epoxy compounds.
2. Mix with one of four WEST SYSTEM Hardeners.
Select a hardener for its intended use and for the cure speed best suited
for your job in the temperature range in which you
are working.
3. Add one of six WEST SYSTEM fillers
to thicken the mixture as needed. Select a filler
for its handling characteristics or cured physical properties. Or, add one
of six WEST SYSTEM additives to provide specific coating properties.
105 Epoxy Resin
105 Resin is the base material of the WEST SYSTEM family of products, on which all of the WEST SYSTEM compounds are built. The resin is a clear, pale yellow, low-viscosity liquid epoxy resin. Formulated for use with WEST SYSTEM hardeners, it can be cured in a wide temperature range to form a high-strength solid with excellent moisture resistance. It is designed specifically to wet out and bond with wood fiber, fiberglass, reinforcing fabrics and a variety of metals. An excellent adhesive, 105 will bridge gaps and fill voids when modified with WEST SYSTEM fillers and can be sanded and shaped when cured. With roller applications, it has excellent thin-film characteristics to flow out and self-level without "fisheyeing." The resin cures clear so that you can achieve a natural finish when coating with varnish. It has a relatively high flash point and no strong solvent odor, making it safer to work with than polyesters. Resin viscosity is approximately 1000 cP (centipoise) at 72°F (22°C).
Group |
Resin |
Hardener |
Mixed |
Mini |
Saturation Coat |
Build-up Coats |
A |
105-A |
205-A or 206-A |
1.2 qt. (1.15 L) |
300 |
90–105 sq. ft. |
120–135 sq. ft. |
207-A or 209-A |
1.3 qt. (1.26 L) |
300 |
90–105 sq. ft. |
120–135 sq.ft. |
||
B |
105-B |
205-B or 206-B |
1.2 gal. (4.55 L) |
300 |
350–405 sq. ft. |
462–520 sq. ft. |
207-B or 209-B |
1.3 gal. (4.98 L) |
300 |
370–430 sq. ft. |
490–550 sq. ft. |
||
C |
105-C |
205-C or 206-C |
5.29 gal. (20 L) |
300 |
1530–1785 sq.ft. |
2040–2300 sq.ft. |
207-C or 209-C |
5.8 gal. (21.9 L) |
300 |
1675–1955 sq.ft. |
2235–2520 sq.ft. |
WEST SYSTEM epoxy resin and hardeners are packaged in three "Group Sizes." For each container size of resin, there is a corresponding sized container of hardener. When purchasing resin and hardener, be sure all containers are labeled with the same Group Size letter (A, B or C). The 300 Mini Pumps can be configured to fit any Group Size.
Shelf life
If the containers are kept sealed when not in use WEST SYSTEM resins and hardeners should remain usable for many years. Over time, 105 Resin will thicken slightly and will therefore require extra care when mixing. Hardeners may darken with age, but physical properties are not affected by color. Mini Pumps may be left in containers during storage. It is a good idea, after a long storage to verify the metering accuracy of the pumps and mix a test batch to assure proper curing before applying epoxy to your project.
EPOXY HARDENERS |
Hardener selection—select a hardener for its intended use and for the cure speed best suited for your job in the temperature range in which you are working.
205 Fast Hardener
205 Fast Hardener is a medium-viscosity epoxy curing agent. It is used in a majority of situations, at lower temperatures and to produce a rapid cure that develops its physical properties quickly at room temperature. When mixed with the 105 Resin in a five-part resin to one-part hardener ratio, the cured resin/hardener mixture yields a rigid, high-strength, moisture-resistant solid with excellent bonding and coating properties. Not intended for clear coating.
Mix
Ratio, Resin:Hardener |
5:1* |
206 Slow Hardener
206 Slow Hardener is a low-viscosity epoxy curing agent for use when extended working and cure time is needed or to provide adequate working time at higher temperatures. When combined with 105 Resin in a five-part resin to one-part hardener ratio, the cured resin/hardener mixture yields a rigid, high-strength, moisture-resistant solid with excellent bonding and coating properties. Not intended for clear coating.
Mix
Ratio, Resin:Hardener |
5:1* |
207 Special Coating Hardener
Product highlights: 207 Hardener
This hardener was especially developed for use with WEST SYSTEM Brand 105 Resin in coating applications where an exceptionally clear, moisture-resistant, natural wood finish is desired. Cures to a light amber color, similar to traditional spar varnishes. An ultraviolet inhibiting additive improves the resistance of a WEST SYSTEM 105/207 mixture to sunlight, but the cured epoxy surface will still require the additional protection of a quality UV-filtering varnish. 207 is designed to self level for smooth finishes, and to wet-out and bond fabrics. Although it provides good physical properties for general bonding applications, it is more difficult to thicken and less cost effective for this purpose than 205 or 206 Hardeners. It’s also used for laminating veneers where bleed through at joints may be exposed to sunlight.
Mix
Ratio, Resin:Hardener |
3:1* |
209 Extra Slow Hardener
209 Extra Slow Hardener is formulated for use with WEST SYSTEM Brand 105 Resin for general coating and bonding applications in extremely warm and/or humid conditions or when extended working time is desired at room temperature. Provides approximately twice the working time of 206 Slow Hardener. Forms a clear, amber-colored solid with good physical properties and moisture resistance for bonding and coating applications. Not intended for clear coating.
Mix
Ratio, Resin:Hardener |
3:1* |
* Mix Ratios
The mix ratios above-5:1 for 205 and 206, 3:1 for 207 and 209-refer to the ratio of resin to hardener if you are metering by weight or volume. When using 300 Mini Pumps, pump one stroke of resin for every one stroke of hardener. Refer to the instructions included with the 300 Mini Pumps before using.
Low Temperature Considerations
When using WEST SYSTEM Epoxy at low temperatures, special precautions can be taken to assure maximum performance. For detailed information on working with epoxy at low temperatures, refer to 002-915 Cold Temperature Bonding and Coating with Epoxy.
METERING PUMPS |
300
Mini Pump Set
300 Mini Pumps are designed for convenient and accurate metering of all Group
Size A, B and C WEST SYSTEM resin and hardeners. They mount directly on the
resin and hardener containers and eliminate the mess involved with measuring
by weight or volume. 300 Mini Pumps are calibrated to deliver the proper working
ratio with one full pump stroke of resin for each one full pump stroke of
hardener.
The 300 Mini Pumps Set contains one resin pump and two hardener pumps. 105/205-206
pumps deliver approximately 0.8 fl oz of resin/hardener with one full stroke
of each pump. 105/207-209 pumps deliver approximately 0.9 fl oz of resin/hardener
with one full stroke of each pump.
As packaged, the pumps are ready to install on the Group Size B containers.
A package of extension tubes for Group Size A containers is included with
the set. Group Size C extension tubes are included in the 105-C Resin and
in the 207-SC or 209-SC packages.
If necessary, you can combine different group sized-as long as all of the
pumps have a yellow head. To avoid confusion and possible off-ratio metering,
300 Mini Pumps have yellow heads, which should not be used in with any older
pumps with a white head (301 and 303 pumps).
Made of durable polypropylene, the pumps give years of dependable service.
Read and follow the priming, ratio verification and operating instructions
that come with the pumps.
LARGE CAPACITY PUMPS
306
Model A Metering Pump
For metering larger quantities of 105 Resin and 205 or 206 (5:1 ratio) Hardeners.
The Model A Pump will reduce mixing time and waste on large projects. A carrying
handle allows you to move the pump where the works is. Reservoirs hold one
gallon of resin, one quart of hardener. Dispenses approximately 0.5 fl oz
of resin/hardener per pump stroke.
306-3
Model A Metering Pump
Similar to 306 Model A Metering Pump described above. For metering 105 Resin
and 207 Special Coating or 209 Extra Slow (3:1 ratio) Hardeners.
Model
A Rebuild Kit
Includes seals, balls, gaskets, springs, high-rise tubes with ferrules and
new resin and hardener reservoirs with lids.
306-K For 306 (5:1)
ratio pump.
306-3K For 306-3 (3:1)
ratio pump.
309
High-Capacity Gear Pump
For use with 205 or 206 (5:1 ratio) Hardeners. The 309 Gear Pump is designed
and built by Gougeon Brothers for large projects and manufacturing operations.
The home builder and professional alike will enjoy the efficiency of this
high-volume pump. With continuous rotation of the crank, the metered resin
and hardener can be delivered at up to five quarts per minute. Positive shutoff
prevents resin and hardener loss through dripping spouts. Reservoirs hold
two gallons of resin, one gallon of hardener.
309-3
High-Capacity Gear Pump
Similar to 309 High-Capacity Gear Pump described above. For metering 105 Resin
and 207 Special Coating or 209 Extra Slow (3:1 ratio) Hardeners.
FILLERS |
Adhesive Fillers vs. Fairing Fillers
Fillers
are used to thicken the basic resin/hardener mixture for specific applications.
Each filler possesses a unique set of physical characteristics, but they can
be generally categorized as either Adhesive (high-density) or Fairing (low-density).
Adhesive filler mixtures cure to a strong, hard-to-sand plastic useful in
structural applications like bonding, filleting and hardware bonding.
Fairing
filler mixtures cure to light, easily sandable material that is generally
used for cosmetic or surface applications like shaping, filling or fairing.
ADHESIVE
FILLERS
403 Microfibers
403 Microfibers, a fine fiber blend, is used as a thickening additive with
resin/hardener to create a multi-purpose adhesive, especially for bonding
wood. Epoxy thickened with microfibers has good gap-filling qualities while
retaining excellent wetting/penetrating capability. Color: off-white.
404 High-Density Filler
404 High-Density filler is a thickening additive developed for maximum physical
properties in hardware bonding where high-cyclic loads are anticipated. It
can also be used for filleting and gap filling where maximum strength is necessary.
Color: off-white.
405 Filleting Blend
This strong, wood-toned filler is good for use in glue joints and fillets
on naturally finished wood. It mixes easily with epoxy and lets you create
fillets that are smooth and require little sanding. Its color is a consistent
brown, so 405 can be used to modify the shade of other WEST SYSTEM fillers.
406 Colloidal Silica
406 Colloidal Silica is a thickening additive used to control the viscosity
of the epoxy and prevent epoxy runoff in vertical and overhead joints. 406
is a very strong filler that creates a smooth mixture, ideal for general bonding
and filleting. It is also our most versatile filler. Often used in combination
with other fillers, it can be used to improve the improve strength, abrasion
resistance, and consistency of fairing compounds, resulting in a tougher,
smoother surface. Color: off-white.
FAIRING
FILLERS
407 Low-Density Filler
407 Low-Density filler is a blended microballoon-based filler used to make
fairing putties that are easy to sand or carve. Reasonably strong on a strength-to-weight
basis. Cures to a dark red/brown color.
410 MicrolightTM
410 MicrolightTM is the ideal
low-density filler for creating a light, easily-worked fairing compound especially
suited for fairing large areas. Microlight mixes with greater ease than 407
Low-Density filler or microballoons and is approximately 30% easier to sand.
It feathers to a fine edge and is also more economical for large fairing jobs.
Not recommended under dark paint or other surfaces subject to high temperatures.
Cures to a tan color.
ADDITIVES |
420
Aluminum Powder
420 Aluminum Powder provides limited protection from ultraviolet light in
areas that will not be protected with other coatings. Can be used as a base
for subsequent painting. 420 will increase the hardness and abrasion resistance
of the coated surface and improve its moisture resistance. Cures to a metallic
gray color. Add to mixed resin/hardener at the rate of 5 to 10% by volume
(approximately 6 oz. per B group).
422 Barrier Coat Additive
A proprietary blend designed to improve cured epoxy's moisture-exclusion effectiveness.
422 is used as a barrier coating additive to help prevent gelcoat blistering.
422 also increases the epoxy's abrasion resistance. Cures to a light gray
color. Add to mixed resin/hardener at the rate of 15 to 20% by weight-3 tablespoons
per 8 fl. oz. epoxy (approximately 32 oz. per B group).
423 Graphite Powder
423 Graphite Powder is a fine black powder that can be mixed with WEST SYSTEM
epoxy to produce a low-friction exterior coating with increased scuff resistance
and durability. Epoxy/graphite is commonly used as a bearing surface, and
as a coating on rudders and centerboards, or on the bottoms of racing craft
that are dry sailed. It does not provide antifouling qualities. The epoxy/graphite
mixture can also be used in teak deck construction to simulate the look of
traditional seams and to protect the epoxy from sunlight. Cures to a black
color. Add to mixed resin/hardener at the rate of up to 10% by volume (approximately
5.7 oz. per B group).
Color Pigments
WEST SYSTEM pigments are epoxy-based liquid colorants used to tint the epoxy
mixture to provide an even color base for the final finish system. The colored
surfaces also tend to highlight flaws and imperfections. Cured, pigmented
epoxy surfaces are not a final finish surface, but require an additional opaque
or UV filter coating for ultraviolet protection. Add to the mixed resin/hardener
at a rate of approximately one teaspoon of pigment to 8 fl oz of epoxy. More
pigment will increase opaqueness and mixture viscosity. One 4 fl oz bottle
will tint approximately 2/3 gal of epoxy.
501
White Pigment.
503
Gray Pigment.
REINFORCING MATERIALS |
EpisizeTM Unidirectional Carbon Tapes
Carbon fiber unidirectional reinforcing tapes are used to improve tensile
and compressive strength and stiffness in one direction while adding minimum
thickness and weight. Fiber bundles are held in place by a polyester fill
thread for easy handling and wet out. .015" thickness.
702 (144k fibers/inch
width) 11/2" wide x 12', 50' rolls.
703 (144k fibers/inch
width) 3" wide x 12', 50' rolls.
713
EpisizeTM Unidirectional Glass Tape
11.1 oz. E-glass fiber unidirectional reinforcing tape is used to add strength
in one direction, but with less stiffness than carbon fiber. Easy to handle
and wet out. Average tape thickness is .0125". 3" wide x 12', 50'
rolls.
727
EpisizeTM Biaxial Tape
15 oz. non-woven E glass fabric. Two layers at a ±45° fiber orientation are
held together by a light stitching. Flat, non-crimped fibers yield reduced
print-through and higher stiffness than woven fabrics. Ideal for repairs,
tabbing and reinforcing. 4" wide x 10', 20 yd. rolls.
737
EpisizeTM Biaxial Fabric
15 oz. non-woven E glass fabric. Two layers, ±45° fiber orientation. For composites,
repairs and reinforcing. Achieves high fiber-to-resin ratio with hand wet-out.
50" wide x 20 yd. roll.
738 EpisizeTM Biaxial Fabric
15 oz. non-woven E glass fabric. Two layers, ±45° fiber orientation. The same
as 737 fabric with a .75 oz./sq. ft. mat backing. Approximately 22 oz./sq.
yd. total fabric weight. 50" wide x 20 yd. roll.
EpisizeTM Glass Tape
Versatile WEST SYSTEM EpisizeTM 9-oz. woven fabric tapes are ideal for reinforcing chines, hull/deck corners
and similar structural applications. When bonded with WEST SYSTEM epoxy, they
provide additional tensile strength to resist hairline crack development and
abrasion.
729 2" wide x
10', 50 yd. rolls.
731 3" wide x
50 yd. roll.
732 4" wide x
10', 50 yd. rolls.
733 6" wide x
50 yd. roll.
EpisizeTM Glass Fabrics
Fabrics are ideal for building composite laminates and repairing fiberglass
structures. May also be used to provide an abrasion-resistant covering for
wooden structures. When wet-out, the 4 and 6 oz. fabrics become transparent,
allowing a clear, natural wood finish. May be painted or varnished.
740 4 oz.- 50"
wide x 10 yd., 20 yd. rolls.
742 6 oz.- 60"
wide x 10 yd., 20 yd. rolls.
745 12 oz.- 30"
x 30" sheet, 60" wide x 10 yd., 20 yd. rolls.
APPLICATION TOOLS |
800
Roller Covers
Thin polyurethane foam roller covers are ideal for epoxy,
paint and varnish application. Can be cut into shorter widths to match the
application area and cut into brushes for tipping off fresh coats of epoxy.
Covers are 7" wide and sold in packages of two.
801 Roller Frame
Adjustable roller cover frame holds 7" full-width covers and covers cut
down to as narrow as 2" wide. Ideal for narrow strips and tight areas
as well as large areas.
802 Roller Pan
Heavy duty, flexible plastic roller pan allows you to "pop out"
epoxy after it has cured so the pan can be reused. Eliminates the need for
liners.
803 Glue Brushes
Handy, disposable, 1/2" x 6" glue application brushes with a metal
handle. These brushes are useful in a wide variety of small bonding and coating
applications.
804 Reusable Mixing Sticks
A practical mixing, application, filleting, and cleaning tool. Squared, beveled
end reaches mixing pot corners for thorough mixing and blending in fillers
and for cleaning up excess epoxy. Use rounded end to shape 3/8" radius
fillets. Cured epoxy pops off easily, so they can be reused many times. 3/4"-wide
x 5-1/2".
Poly Mixing Pots
Cured epoxy easily pops out of these strong, reusable plastic mixing pots.
805 16 oz. pot
806 32 oz. pot
807 Syringes
Reusable syringes that can be loaded with epoxy mixture for injecting into
tight spots. Ideal for hardware bonding and plywood repairs. Holds about 0.5
fl. oz.
808 Flexible Plastic Spreader
Flexible, double-edged, reusable spreader for flow coating, fairing and filling
applications, and applying fabrics. 31/2" x 6".
809 Notched Spreader
4" x 4" plastic spreader with 1/8", 3/16" and 1/4"
notches on three sides for quickly applying modified epoxy at a constant rate.
Useful when laminating large panels.
810 Fillable Caulking Tubes
Great for injecting large amounts of epoxy, laying a lengthy bead of epoxy
or making fillets. Suitable for refilling until epoxy cures. For use with
a standard caulking gun. Holds approximately 10 fl. oz.
SKIN PROTECTION |
830
Medicated Skin Cream
Medicated skin cream to soothe minor skin irritations and help prevent dermatitis.
5 oz. tube.
831 Protective Skin Cream
A protective barrier cream to help protect skin from irritants. Use with protective
gloves. 5 oz. tube.
832 Disposable Gloves
Lightweight, seamless nitrile gloves are more chemically resistant than latex
gloves. They provide excellent protection while retaining good finger sensitivity
and dexterity and they are more puncture resistant than conventional disposable
gloves.
836 Coverall
We've used these suits in our shop for many years. Made of TyvekTM spun-bonded OlefinTM, these suits are inexpensive enough to be
disposable, yet durable enough to be reused again and again. M, L, XL.
838 Sleeves
If you need to cover only your arms, try these convenient sleeves. Made of
Tyvek, 18" sleeves with elastic top and cuff.
SPECIAL TOOLS & CLEANERS |
860
Aluminum Etch Kit
A two-part treatment for preparation of aluminum surfaces for bonding with
epoxy. Our research shows adhesion to aluminum is significantly improved with
this process. Also improves paint adhesion.
860-8 Two 1/4 pint
bottles (treats about 50 sq. ft.)
860 Two 1-pint bottles
(treats about 200 sq. ft.).
875
ScarfferTM
A unique tool designed by Gougeon Brothers for cutting accurate scarf joints
in plywood up to 3/8" thick. Attaches easily to most circular saws and
is easily removed.
VACUUM BAGGING MATERIALS |
Vacuum bagging is a clamping system used for laminating a wide range of fabrics, core materials and veneers. It offers many advantages over conventional clamping. For repairs and composite construction, it uses atmospheric pressure to deliver firm even clamping pressure over the entire surface area, regardless of the type or quantity of material being laminated. By laminating over simple molds, composites can be molded into a wide range of functional shapes.
879
Release Fabric
Economical Release Fabric is a tough, finely woven nylon fabric treated with
a release agent. It is used to separate the absorber, breather and vacuum
bag from the laminate in vacuum bagging operations. Excess epoxy bleeds through
and is peeled from the cured laminate along with the Release Fabric. It's
also used in hand lay-up applications to allow more squeegee pressure and
protect the lay-up from contamination. Peels easily and leaves a smooth textured
surface, ready for bonding or finishing. Not recommended for post-cure temperatures
over 120°F (49°C). 60" wide x 2 yd., 10 yd. rolls. 60" x 9"
sheet.
881 Breather Fabric
Breather Fabric is a lightweight, polyester blanket that provides excellent
air passage within the vacuum envelope while it absorbs excess epoxy. 45"
wide x 2.7 yd., 10 yd. rolls.
882 Vacuum Bag Film
Clear, heat-stabilized, modified nylon resin film. Can be used at temperatures
up to 350°F (176°C) for typical composite cure cycle times. A tough, stretchable
film for high vacuum pressures. 60" wide x 2 yd., 20 yd. roll.
883 Vacuum Bag Sealant
Mastic tape sealant for airtight seals between vacuum bags and molds. Easy
to work around difficult angles, patching small leaks in the vacuum system.
1/2" wide x 25' roll.
885
Vacuum Bagging Kit
A complete starter kit for room temperature repairs and small laminating projects
up to 13 square feet. The kit includes:
· Venturi vacuum generator*
· Vacuum Cups* (3)
· 1/4" I.D. Vacuum Tubing* (10')
· Vacuum Gauge (1)
· Junction "T" barbs (2)
· Release Fabric (15 sq. ft.)
· Breather Fabric (15 sq. ft.)
· Vacuum Bag Film (15 sq. ft.)
· Vacuum Bag Sealant (25')
· Complete kit instructions
· 002-150 Vacuum Bagging Techniques
The venturi generator develops over 20 inches Hg (mercury) of vacuum (10 psi). It is designed to run off of conventional shop air compressors delivering at least 65 psi at 3.5 SCFM. At 0 inches Hg it will evacuate 2.2 SCFM. The operating range is 40 psi - 100 psi.
ADHESIVES and REPAIR PACKS |
G/5
Five-Minute Adhesive
An easy to use, 2-part resin/hardener system for quick repairs, tooling and
general bonding. May be used in spot applications to hold parts in position
while standard epoxy bonds cure. Bonds to wood, fiberglass and metal. Not
recommended for long-term bonds subject to high loads or moisture. One-to-one
mixture, no pumps are required. Cures in 3-5 minutes.
865-16 16 fl. oz. resin/16 fl. oz. hardener.
865-4 4 fl. oz. resin/4 fl. oz. hardener.
101 Handy Repair Pack
Here is everything you need to complete small repairs around the boat, shop
or home. The Handy Repair Pack contains two WEST SYSTEM 105 Resin/205 Hardener
packets, and enough high-density filler to complete a variety of coating and
bonding operations. Also included are an application brush, mixing stick,
pipe cleaner, two cleaning pads and complete instructions. The components
can be mixed in the disposable package.
101-T Six resin/hardener
packets only. Each pre-measured packet contains 16g of 105 Resin and 3.2g
of 205 Hardener (19.2g or 0.56 fl. oz. of mixed epoxy).
101-6 Maxi Repair Pack
The Maxi Repair Pack contains six 105 Resin/205 Hardener packets, a low-density
filler for fairing and a high-density filler for bonding. Also included are
two application brushes, one syringe, two pipe cleaners, four mixing sticks,
one pair of disposable gloves, four cleaning pads, mixing cups and illustrated
instructions.