Tag Archives: polyester

WEST SYSTEM Epoxy vs. Polyester

for Fiberglass Boat Repair

by Tom Pawlak — GBI Technical Advisor

Above: Epoxy vs. polyester in a typical fiberglass boat repair cross-section.

Even though we’ve been promoting the use of WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy for repairing fiberglass boats (boats made with polyester resin) in our manuals and Epoxyworks for many years, we continue to receive inquiries asking whether it is appropriate to use epoxy for polyester boat repair. Because of the misinformation still prevalent in marinas, local yacht clubs and on the Internet, we felt it was time to restate the case for epoxy. Continue reading →

Polyester Gelcoat Over Epoxy

by Jeff Wright — Vice President of Technical Services

Most production fiberglass boats are made with polyester resin, and we’re often asked if it’s appropriate to use polyester gelcoat over epoxy. WEST SYSTEM® epoxy is a wonderful material for repairing polyester fiberglass boats. One reason for this is the ability of epoxy to form a stronger mechanical bond to a damaged laminate than polyester resin. Epoxy also provides a better moisture barrier than polyester resin. Continue reading →

Polyester Rots

by Robert Monroe

Polyester laminates have been with us since the mid-1940s. They are bright, strong, easily molded to useful shapes, and from all appearances (and advertising) maintenance-free. Contrary to our conditioned distrust of wood, we have come to expect these easy features when we think about Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (FRP). The waxing and occasional polishing required to keep our FRP bright is not very demanding. FRP structures epitomize easy living. Continue reading →