: Hi: I am currently in the process of building a cedar strip kayak and I am a
: first time builder. In my research of different epoxies, I have seen a
: wide range of epoxy to hardner mix ratios and would like to know what the
: pros and cons of using a product such as West which I believe is a 5:1
: ratio epoxy as opposed to a 2:1 epoxy like RAKA. There are also other
: individual distributors that sell various epoxy ratios from 1:1 all the
: way up to 5:1.

: This is what I assume to be true about epoxy based upon internet research: 1)
: The 2:1 ratio epoxy may be watered down (solvents added) to increase
: penetration.
: 2) The 2:1 epoxy tends to have less blush problems.
: 3) The 5:1 epoxy has more strength, but may be more brittle.
: 4) The Cost of 2:1 epoxy is somewhat cheaper because of the hardner
: additives.

: I was recommended by an epoxy distributor in Florida to use the 2:1 epoxy
: ratio because the higher ratio epoxies are too brittle. This company has a
: range of epoxy mix ratios starting from 1:1 all the way up to 5:1.

: If I could get some help with the following questions, I would greatly
: appreciate it. I might note that I would probably put up with some amine
: blush if it meant a more structurally sound kayak.

: 1) Are my assumptions listed above correct? If not, what is not accurate and
: why?
: 2) Does the higher strength (5:1) epoxy (if true) translate into a more rigid
: finished boat?
: 3) Is brittleness a problem, specifically with the 5:1 epoxy?
: 4) Has anyone used epoxy from Fiberglass Coatings Inc? If so, let me know
: what epoxy ratio you used and what type of success or failure you had with
: their product.
: 5) Overall, in general, which epoxy ratio is easier to apply?
: 6) Any other insight?

: Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!

: Thanks,

: Rich

if your assumption regarding the better strength aspect of the 2:1 ratio epoxys is correct..
but the "usual" tradeoff was more blush from the 2:1 types..
then I would think you would go to a 2:1 ratio epoxy that produces no blush...
( see Raka 2:1 ratio 127/350 epoxy that is "no blush" )

the thinner epoxys will penetrate wood ( seal it) better
they might let you build a lighter boat because coats go on thinner
they also tend to sag and drip more if you try to put on a thick coating

addison