Preferred epoxies

[rxcomposite]

The resin representatives advised us to get the most UV protection, we must paint the surface with a paint or primer with lampblack as the lampblack pigment blocks all UV light. Of course, black absorbs a lot of heat so it must be overlayed with another color. Aerospace reps advises us against using dark colors such as red, indigo, or dark blue as the heat it absorbs on a hot day is enough to reduce the strength of the resins.

On the other hand, while we were working with UV sensitive resins and UV photo sensitive imaging films, our room is lighted by yellow light or UV free fluorescent with transluscent yellow filters. we call it the "yellow room" and we can safely handle UV sensitive materials for an hour or so. This is similar to "red room" when processing photo materials.

It would seem then a safe bet to just coat the surface with a yellow paint, or if other color is preferred, a black primer then a color of choice.

[wdnboatbuilder]

RAKA is great epoxy built my entire boat out of it. Larry will take good care of you. i have put my boat through some pretty rough sea trials and it held up just fine. 2 years later and still going like a energizer bunny.

[cyclops]

Nice to know that we have to paint epoxy and varnish to protect it. Anymore good coatings? NAAH.

[chandler]

System Three has a new product expressly made for clear coating, I believe it's somewhat expensive but they market it for clearcoating.

[cyclops]

Web search--www.oneoceankayaks.com-- Then scroll down to : The epoxy tests. It rates the Epoxy of several leading companies by many factors. I find ease of recoates most important.

[D'ARTOIS]

Raka looks indeed as being a good and useful epoxy....only: we don't know this brand in Europe, can anybody find who is the manufacturer?

If it's a bit slow it is better.

[Dutch Peter]

Originally Posted by D'ARTOIS

Raka looks indeed as being a good and useful epoxy....only: we don't know this brand in Europe, can anybody find who is the manufacturer?

If it's a bit slow it is better.

D'Artois, is this the stuff? http://www.raka.com/

[LP]

Originally Posted by cyclops

Web search--www.oneoceankayaks.com-- Then scroll down to : The epoxy tests. It rates the Epoxy of several leading companies by many factors. I find ease of recoates most important.

Fantastic link.

http://www.oneoceankayaks.com/Epoxtest.htm

The author didn't really state it, but his exposure test does show the importance of UV protective coatings over epoxy substrates, especially if you've used one of the less UV resistant brands. Price and product product performance don't neccessarily go hand in hand, thank goodness.

I feel fortunate that my predominate epoxy has been RAKA. I've always used West 207 for bright finish work, but may switch to RAKA for that, also, based on these test results. Top of the list for the unprotected exposure test.

I've recently to USComposites for "structural" work based solely on price.

Good detective work Cyclops.