Published by Gougeon Brothers, Inc., Bay City, MI, USA
Copyright 1994 GBI
420 Aluminum Powder provides limited protection from ultraviolet light in areas which 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 mixed resin/hardener at the rate of 5 to 10% by volume (approximately 6 oz. per B group).
421 Fire Retardant filler, a hydrated alumina powder, greatly increases the viscosity of the epoxy and forms a fire retardant mixture that requires troweling or squeegeeing into place. For use in engine or galley areas. Cures to an off-white color. Add to mixed resin/hardener at a rate of 100% by weight (approximately 11.4 lb. per B group).
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 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. Add to mixed resin/hardener at the rate of up to 10% by volume (approximately 2.8 oz. per B group).
425 Copper Compound is mixed with epoxy as a base coat for conventional bottom paint. The resulting hard surface increases moisture exclusion effectiveness and provides back-up antifouling properties. It's ideal for coating hard to reach surfaces that will be in direct contact with water, such as the inside of 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).
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 enamel
or polyurethane paint systems to provide 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™ Graphite Fibers are continuous-length fiber tows, much stronger and stiffer for their weight than steel and aluminum. Graphite fibers are used as a secondary reinforcing material where space or size is confined. Average tow thickness is .010". 1" wide x 20', 100' rolls.
All of the strands in this tape are aligned in the same direction and are held together with a light fiber scrim, making this tape easy to handle. When wet out, fiber-to-resin ratios of 50% are easily achieved. Each ply measures about .010" thickness after wet out. Used in composite construction or reinforcement repairs. 3" wide x 100' roll.
15 oz. non-woven E glass fabric. Two layers at a 45° x 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.
15 oz. non-woven E glass fabric. Two layers, 45° x 45° fiber orientation. For composites, repairs and reinforcing. Achieves high fiber-to-resin ratio with hand wet-out. 50" wide x 20 yd. roll.
15 oz. non-woven E glass fabric. Two layers, 45° x 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.
Versatile WEST SYSTEM Episize™ 9-oz. 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.
731 3" wide x 50 yd. roll.
732 4" wide x 10', 50 yd. rolls.
733 6" wide x 50 yd. roll.
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.
742 6 oz.– 60" wide x 10 yd., 20 yd. rolls.
745 12 oz.– 30" x 30" sheet, 60" wide x 10 yd., 20 yd.
rolls.
High-density 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.
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.
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.
Handy, disposable, " x 6" glue application brushes with a metal handle. These brushes are useful in a wide variety of small bonding and coating applications.
Wooden mixing sticks with one rounded end for filleting and one squared end for reaching mixing pot corners and scraping excess epoxy from surfaces.
Cured epoxy easily pops out of these strong, reusable polypropylene mixing pots. 805 16 oz. pot 806 32 oz. pot
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.
Flexible, double-edged, reusable spreader for flow coating, fairing and filling applications, and applying fabrics. 3" x 6".
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.
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.
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. (not shown)
Medicated skin cream to soothe minor skin irritations and help prevent dermatitis. 5 oz. tube.
A protective barrier cream to help protect skin from irritants. Use with protective gloves. 5 oz. tube.
A specially blended cleaning solvent, for removing uncured epoxy from tools, boat and shop surfaces. Also excellent for cleaning contaminants from cured epoxy surfaces. Contains methylene chloride. Not for use on skin. Nonflammable.
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.
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 -pint bottles (treats about 50 sq. ft.) 860 Two 1-pint bottles (treats about 200 sq. ft.).
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.
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.
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 for laminating a wide range of fabrics, core materials and veneers that offers many advantages over conventional clamping. For repairs and composite construction, it delivers 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.
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. 60" wide x 2 yd., 10 yd. rolls. 60" x 9" sheet.
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.
Clear, heat-stabilized, modified nylon resin film. Can be used at temperatures up to 350°F (176°C) for typical composite cure cycle times. High-strength, non-stretching film for high vacuum pressures. 60" wide x 2 yd., 20 yd. roll.
Mastic tape sealant for airtight seals between vacuum bags and molds. Easy to work around difficult angles, patching small leaks in the vacuum system. 1/2" wide x 25' roll.
A complete starter kit for room temperature repairs and small laminating projects up to 13 square feet. The kit includes: 1-Venturi vacuum generator* with bronze muffler*, 2-Vacuum Cups*, 10 ft.-1/4" I.D. Vacuum Tubing*, 1-Vacuum Gauge*, 2-Junction "T" barbs, 15 sq. ft.-Release Fabric, 15 sq. ft.-Breather Fabric, 15 sq. ft.-Vacuum Bag Film, 25 ft.-Vacuum Bag Sealant, Complete kit instructions, 002-150 ADVANCED 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.
*Available as a replacement part–see price list.
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 50,000 copies in print. Hardcover–297 pages.
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. Softcover–52 pages.
A complete, illustrated guide to a variety of fiberglass repair problems. Includes detailed instructions on repairing delamination, keel damage and gelcoat blisters. Also covers fairing keels, hardware bonding, finishing and installing teak veneers. Softcover–76 pages.
This manual provides a thorough explanation of osmotic blistering, along with 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. Softcover–52 pages.
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. Softcover–28 pages.
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. Softcover–80 pages.
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. VHS–20 minutes.
A guide to structural repairs on fiberglass boats using WEST SYSTEM Epoxy, including repairs to cored and non-cored hulls. Demonstrates how to successfully apply gelcoat over epoxy repairs. VHS–26 minutes.
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. VHS 16 minutes.
END- WEST SYSTEM Technical Manual & Product Guide