: I haven't glassed a boat yet....but a technique we use in the
: scratch building of balsa aircraft is to thin the epoxy with
: acetone or alcohol. About half epoxy and half acetone make for a
: very runny mixture. We apply it very thinly, as it will soak in
: very quickly. The wood will actually look dry but the thinned
: epoxy has penetrated and will seal the wood. When building balsa
: aircraft, weight is always an issue so extra epoxy is no
: good.... So, does anyone care enough about weight in a kayak, to
: thin the epoxy when the epoxy is used as a sealer?

: Thanks,
: Bill

Acetone is very toxic solvent I seldom use.

A web search will turn up a lot of bad press for the health risks of acetone.

There are enough toxic materials in strip building (wood, resin) without adding one more.

I built model ships, planes and cars when I was a teen, so I know
there was (still is?) very toxic, glues, paints and airplane dope, commonly
used by kids and adults.

I'm trying to atone for the sins of my youth by not using, and advocating that others
not use, or restrict the use of, such toxic solvents.

I've never heard of West Systems or System Three epoxies suggest thinning their
resins. I would assume this will reduce the strength. Not much of an issue with a model plane.
Epoxy strength is an issue in a boat.

I reduce the amount of epoxy by applying a thin seal coat in the first place.

Rob