Choosing Epoxies & Resins

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

I would like to make a few parts out of F/G before i spend a lot of money on C/F cloth.

i’ve heard that vinyl-ester resin is best for fiberglass lay ups if the heat is under 300F. Which in my case it won’t exceed 200 degrees. What brand is easiest to use, doesn’t cost a small fortune and will work doing a lay up in a 100 degree shop climate? I’d hate for the resin mixture once hardener is added to gel on me before i can do my lay up.

Also some places where i can order online with decent prices would be helpful. We all love our hobbies and I know you guys know where to find good stuff for less $. Thanks! :slight_smile:

Also if you have tips on using a particular brand in hot climate conditions that would be great.

Does V.E.R smell worse than P.E.R? Now how about Epoxy resin, how bad does it smell?

#2

If you want to practice, then there is little point in increasing costs by using vinyl resin system. Get hold of some unaccelerated poly, and add accelerator yourself in amounts to suit your application.

Here in the UK some compostite shops doing high end composite work outside of an autoclave, are air conditioned, and not having to cope with difficult shop temperatures obviously makes things a lot easier.

#3

The cheapest PER will be at like Home Depot to practice on.

The heat is end use temps and not laying up room temps.

Please check out the Products section for suppliers and PER odor suppressors too…