ESTIMATING HOW MUCH EPOXY YOU NEED

The amount of resin/hardener to order varies considerably depending on the type of wood used, construction method, amount wasted, etc. Generally, activated POXY-SHIELD® will cover about 30 to 40 square feet per pound (or roughly 300 to 400 square feet per gallon). The low figure is applicable to initial coats, while the higher figure applies to following coats. For encapsulating see this chart for amounts required for various GLEN-L designs.

For laminating with POXY-SHIELD®, such as for cold molding purposes when making laminated hulls, figure 10 to 20 square foot per pound (or roughly 100 to 200 square feet per gallon) between laminations, with the amount varying due to quality of fit, and type of wood used. For sheathing with POXY-SHIELD® and fiberglass cloth (7 1/2 oz. weight), figure 60 square feet per gallon for the required three coats normally used. lf other weights of fiberglass are used, the amounts will vary more or less proportionately. lf other types of fabrics are used, the resin required may vary depending on the absorption tendencies of the materials. Dynel, for example, is highly absorbent and expands when saturated; order twice as much resin if using this material as compared to using fiberglass.

To estimate the quantity required for gluing, fillets, and fairing, an "educated guess" is about the best that can be done. For gluing a quart should be adequate for small dinghies up to about 10'. A half-gallon should be enough for boats in the 12'-14' range, while a gallon should suffice for boats to about 18'. This factor applies both to POXY-SHIELD® and POXY-GRIP®. Naturally, boats which have more joints, fillets, and fairing work will require more. Care should be taken not to mix more material than is needed as this can add considerably to the amount of epoxy required. Don't forget to order fillers for POXY-SHIELD® if being used for a glue (see Products - Fillers).

USE OF WOOD PRESERVATIVES

The use of wood preservatives with the GLEN-L Epoxy Encapsulation System is not required nor recommended. Any areas of the boat that are damaged in use, leaving bare wood exposed, can be easily and quickly filled and recoated again for protection. lf such damage does occur, these protective steps should be taken as soon as possible so that moisture absorption, rot spores, etc., do not lead to trouble. Woods previously treated with preservatives should be thoroughly dried before epoxy application. However, creosote coated or impregnated woods should not be used, since epoxy will not adhere to this oily material with any degree of certitude.

AFTER THOUGHT

In this manual we have discussed the "right" way to work with our epoxies. We realize many people cut corners with apparently satisfactory results, however, it is good to remember that your boating project can represent an investment of considerable time and money; you risk that investment when you start cutting corners.

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