Epoxy Product Guide

This Product Guide provides complete descriptions of WEST SYSTEM epoxy products. Refer to this guide and the User Manual section to determine the proper procedures and products for your project.

Refer to the Current price list for USA for package sizes and prices.

Instructional manuals and videos provide detailed building and repair information that will help you avoid problems, saving time and money.

LS655-002 The Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction
Hardcover—297 pages. $29.95

Over twenty years of experience building with wood and epoxy are compiled in this fourth edition. Extensive chapters on lofting, safety, tools and construction methods are described with the aid of hundreds of detailed illustrations and photographs. Over 70,000 copies in print.

LS655-002970 Wooden Boat Restoration & Repair
Softcover—80 pages. $5.00

This manual shows you how to do professional level repairs and renovations that dramatically extend the life of your wooden boat. Dry rot repairs, structural frame repairs, and plank repairs using modern products and techniques are among the many solutions covered in this fully illustrated manual.

LS655-002550 Fiberglass Boat Repair & Maintenance
Softcover—84 pages. $5.00

A complete, illustrated guide to most fiberglass boat repair problems. Includes detailed instructions on repairing rotted stringers and frames, delamination, keel damage. Also covers fairing keels, hardware bonding, finishing and installing teak veneers.

LS655-002650 Gelcoat Blisters: Diagnosis, Repair & Prevention
Softcover—52 pages. $5.00

This manual provides a thorough explanation of osmotic blistering, and detailed, illustrated instructions on effective laminate drying techniques, repairing localized and severe interlaminate blister damage, techniques for applying an effective epoxy barrier coat and more.

LS655-002740 Final Fairing & Finishing
Softcover—28 pages. $5.00

This guide takes you through the final steps of the building or repair process in detail. Includes techniques for fairing and barrier coating, as well as information on the characteristics and types of finishing coatings.

LS655-002150 Vacuum Bagging Techniques
Softcover—52 pages. $5.00

A definitive guide to the principles and application of vacuum bagging techniques for laminating composite materials with epoxy. Complete instructions describe various techniques; materials and equipment.

LS655-002892 Basic Application Techniques
VHS—20 minutes. $21.90

A guide to optimum use of WEST SYSTEM Brand Epoxy products. Includes safety procedures and application tips for coating, bonding and fairing situations on wood and composite materials.

LS655-002894 Fiberglass Repair with WEST SYSTEM Epoxy
VHS—26 minutes. $29.45

A guide to the structural repairs of fiberglass boats using WEST SYSTEM Epoxy, including repairs to cored and non-cored hulls. Demonstrates how to successfully apply gelcoat over epoxy repairs.

LS655-002896 Gelcoat Blister Repair with WEST SYSTEM Epoxy
VHS—16 minutes. $27.25

A guide for repairing and preventing gelcoat blisters on fiberglass boats with WEST SYSTEM Epoxy. Includes an analysis of the factors contributing to blister formation and steps for preparation, drying repairing and coating for moisture protection.

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).

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.

Group size quantities and coating coverage

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 and a corresponding mini pump size. When purchasing resin, hardener and mini pumps, be sure all containers are labeled with the same Group Size letter (A, B or C).

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.

Pot life at 72°F (22°C) Cure to a solid state Cure to maximum strength Minimum recommended temperature Pumps required

9 to 12 minutes 6 to 8 hours 1 to 4 days 40°F (4°C) 301, 306 or 309

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.

Pot life at 72°F (22°C) Cure to a solid state Cure to maximum strength Minimum recommended temperature Pumps required

20 to 25 minutes 9 to 12 hours 1 to 4 days 60°F (16°C) 301, 306 or 309

207 Special Coating 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.

Pot life at 72°F (22°C) Cure to a solid state Cure to maximum strength Minimum recommended temperature Pumps required

22 to 27 minutes 9 to 12 hours 4 to 7 days 60°F (16°C) 303, 306-3 or 309-3

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.

Pot life at 72°F (22°C) at 95°F (35°C) Cure to a solid state at 72°F (22°C) at 95°F (35°C) Cure to maximum strength at 72°F Minimum recommended temperature Pumps required

40 to 50 minutes 15 to 20 minutes 20 to 24 hours 6 to 8 hours 4 to 9 days 70°F (21°C) 303, 306-3 or 309-3

301 Mini Pumps

Mini Pumps are designed for convenient and accurate dispensing of WEST SYSTEM Brand 105 Resin and 205 Fast or 206 Slow (5:1 ratio) Hardeners. Mini pumps mount directly on the resin and hardener containers and eliminate the mess involved with measuring by weight or volume. The pumps are calibrated to deliver the proper working ratio with one full pump stroke of resin for each one full pump stroke of hardener. Made of durable polypropylene, the pumps can be left mounted in the resin and hardener cans and will give years of dependable service.

301-A Mini Pumps for "Group Size A" containers. Deliver approximately 0.8 oz. of resin/hardener with one full stroke of each pump. Use 301-A resin pumps only with 301-A hardener pumps.
301-BC Mini Pumps for "Group Size B" or "C" containers. Deliver approximately 1.3 oz. of resin/hardener with one full stroke of each pump.

DO NOT USE WITH 207 OR 209 HARDENERS.

306 Model A Dispensing Pump

Designed to dispense larger metered quantities of epoxy. For large projects, a dispensing pump will reduce mixing time and waste. Convenient carrying handle. Reservoirs hold one gallon of resin, one quart of hardener. For use with 205 and 206 (5:1 ratio) Hardeners. Dispenses approximately 0.5 oz. of resin/hardener per pump stroke.

306-K Model A Rebuild Kit

Includes seals, balls, gaskets, springs, high-rise tubes with ferrules and new resin and hardener reservoirs with lids.

309 High-Capacity Gear Pump

Designed and built by Gougeon Brothers. The home builder and professional alike will enjoy the efficiency of this pump. The metered resin/hardener mixture is delivered with continuous rotation of the crank. Dispenses five quarts per minute, yet can dispense smaller quantities with partial crank rotation. Positive shutoff prevents resin and hardener loss through dripping spouts. Reservoirs hold two gallons of resin, one gallon of hardener. For use with 205 and 206 (5:1 ratio) Hardeners.

DO NOT USE WITH 207 OR 209 HARDENERS

303 Mini Pumps

Designed for convenient dispensing of WEST SYSTEM 207 Special Coating and 209 Extra Slow (3:1 ratio) Hardeners. 303 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 polypropylene pumps mount directly on the resin and hardener containers.

303-A Mini Pumps for "Group Size A" containers. Deliver approximately .9 oz. of resin/hardener with one full stroke of each pump.
303-BC Mini Pumps for "Group Size B" or "C" containers. Deliver approximately 1.4 oz. of resin/hardener with one full stroke of each pump.

DO NOT USE WITH 205 OR 206 HARDENERS

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 Microlight™

410 Microlight™ 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.

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. <R>Add to mixed resin/hardener at the rate of up to 10% by volume (approximately 5.7 oz. per B group).

425 Copper Compound

425 Copper Compound is mixed with epoxy as a base coat for conventional bottom paint. The resulting hard surface increases moisture and abrasion resistance. It is ideal for coating hard to reach surfaces in contact with water, such as the inside of rudder or centerboard cases. Cures to a dark red/brown color. Add to mixed resin/hardener at the rate of approximately 80% by weight-3 tablespoons per 8 fl. oz. epoxy (approximately 9 lb. per B group).

Color Pigments

WEST SYSTEM pigments are epoxy-based pastes that can be used to tint the epoxy mixture to provide a base color 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 (approximately 6 oz. of pigment per B group). More pigment will increase opaqueness and mixture viscosity.

501 White Pigment.
503 Gray Pigment.

Episize™ 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) 1½" wide x 12', 50' rolls.
703 (144k fibers/inch width) 3" wide x 12', 50' rolls.

713 Episize™ 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 Episize™ 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 Episize™ 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 Episize™ 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.

Episize™ Glass Tape

Versatile WEST SYSTEM Episize™ 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. PART LS655-729 $30.95
731 3" wide x 50 yd. roll. PART LS655-731 $46.10
732 4" wide x 10', 50 yd. rolls. PART LS655-732 $57.60
733 6" wide x 50 yd. roll. PART LS655-733 $80.50

Episize™ 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. PART(S) LS655-74010 10 YD $110.60 & LS655-74020 20YD $190.95
742 6 oz.– 60" wide x 10 yd., 20 yd. rolls. PART(S) LS655-74210 10 YD $129.50 & LS655-74220 20 YD $219.95
745 12 oz.– 30" x 30" sheet LS655-74530 $12.75 EACH, 60" wide x 10 yd. LS655-74510 $232.95, 20 yd. rolls LS655-74520 $428.50.

800 Roller Covers LS655-8002 $3.60 EACH

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 LS655-801 $5.15 EACH

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 LS655-802 $3.52 EACH

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

LS655-80312 1/2" Glue Brushes, Sold in 12 pack. Each Pack $3.65
LS655-803144 1/2" Glue Brushes, Sold in 144 Box. Each Box $24.75

Handy, disposable, ½" x 6" glue application brushes with a metal handle. These brushes are useful in a wide variety of small bonding and coating applications.

804 Mixing Sticks

Wooden ¾"-wide x 5½" mixing sticks with one rounded end for filleting and one squared end for reaching mixing pot corners and scraping excess epoxy from surfaces.

Poly Mixing Pots

Cured epoxy easily pops out of these strong, reusable plastic mixing pots.

805 16 oz. pot LS655-805 $.49 EACH
806 32 oz. pot LS655-806 $.76 EACH

807 Syringes LS655-8072 2 Pack $2.85

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 Plastic Squeegees LS655-8082 2 Pack FOR $2.85

Flexible, double-edged, reusable spreader for flow coating, fairing and filling applications, and applying fabrics. 3½" x 6".

809 Notched Spreader LS655-809 $ .65 EACH

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 LS655-8102 2 Pack for $2.15

For use with a standard caulking gun. Great for injecting large amounts of epoxy, laying a lengthy bead of epoxy or making fillets. Suitable for refilling until epoxy cures. Holds approximately 10 fl. oz.

875 Scarffer™ LS655-875 for $49.40

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.

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.

855 Tool Cleaning Solution

A safe, biodegradable cleaning solution concentrate for uncured epoxy resin and hardener. 855 Cleaning Solution is safer than chemical solvents because it has very low vapor levels and cleans with an emulsifying action that does not dissolve organic matter. Not recommended for use on skin. Dilute 1:1 with water.

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 ¼ pint bottles (treats about 50 sq. ft.)
860 Two 1-pint bottles (treats about 200 sq. ft.).

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 Tyvek™ spun-bonded Olefin™, 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.

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. ½" 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* with bronze muffler* (1)
• Vacuum Cups* (3)
• ¼" 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) at 1 SCFM and is designed to run off of conventional shop air compressors delivering at least 60 psi at 2 SCFM.