I would like to use epoxy for my next build but it seems impossible to get resin research in europe (due to shipping restrictions). There are only two systems available here,
Sicomin “Surf clear” and
SP systems SP 115,
both have a better uv-resistance. Has anybody used one of the resins mentioned and what are the experiences? Is there some kind of “additive f” available in europe ? Any help greatly appreciated, thanks.
You might have the unique opportunity to become the “expert”! Give 'em all a go and then the other Europeans will have someone to turn to.
Yep, that´s a possibility, but I cannot afford to shell out around $220 for each resin system and drive around 250 km to pick them up only to do some test batches. Therefore it would be great to get some recommendations…
I used Spsystems 115 for my first board ever. I didn’t have any problems with it at all. It’s clear, wets out ok and also easy to sand.
I think YOu can polish it to a gloss as well if needed. I used two part polyurethane (spsystem 2000 ultravar) for hotcoating the board. I meant to polish the PU to a gloss but it didn’t work.
In some small areas where I sanded through the Pu-varnish the epoxy underneath got polished and came out with a nice glossy finish.
So I’d say the sp115 can be used for glossing too, it says so in the user manual as well.
Good luck
/Erik
Faded!
This is Neira, from Spain. I’m using epoxy right now. I only had the choice to buy SP Systems epoxies here.
They offered me SP115 at 30€/kg and SP106 at 18€/kg. SP115=waterclear. SP106=honeyclear. Since I plan to full cloth inlay my longboard, I decided for the cheaper resin and I’m very happy with it.
See the results:
Hello Faded,
If you are able to find a supplier involved in boat construction in your area, try the RESOLTECH products. They have a perfect product line for our needs, like the 1070S, 1030, as laminating and hot coating resin, even epoxy varnish for perfect doming and gloss . Used by numerous kite board builder also. One page in their site is dedicated to windsurf and surf construction product. http://www.resoltech.com/fr_pages/loisirs_voile_surf.htm
regards
JJ
Faded,
Have built 2 boards with SP115 and 2 with Sicomin surf clear, not much to choose between them, very similar, the surfclear maybe wet out a little better, but also more expensive. Spray a 2 pac car laquer as a gloss, much cheaper than ultravar, cures quicker and easier to spray, also cuts back better.
No equivalent to additive F is available, wish there was. We need a European distributor for RR epoxy and fast!!!
Hope this helps
Is 2 pac a brand name or just a nickname for 2 part polyurethane laquer?
I wish Greg Loehr (or anyone else with the same knowledge with epoxy and surfboards…) could write a guide to epoxy for those who have to get something else then RR, which chemicals are sensitiers, which are poor formulations, what makes them flow out well, etc.
regards,
Håvard
Keep the faith guys. I have been contacted in the last week by two European distributors. You guys have finally pounded them into submission and it appears RR will be on the continent in the very near future. Thanks to you all.
any luck wih australia… i have been hounding ATL and a few other places…
Great news Greg!
Thanks!!!
Coque.
I’m expecting some material in Aus. soon. I’ll keep everyone posted. This international stuff is quite a bit more difficult than throwing it in a box and sending it to Podunk, Iowa. It makes me more appreaciative of how convienient we have it here.
Almost forgot!
GAIRESA, from north-west coast of Spain, offers a very, very clear and very low viscosity epoxy resin at 18€/kg.
it’s name is TRIEPOX-LM and they sell it only at their lab (Ferrol) or by mail (add shipping).
They were very kind to send to me 1kg for tests some months ago, for free, and I was impressed with easy wetting, absolute no smell and transparency.
http://www.gairesa.com/esp/principal.html
info: (tech specs, ask for Senen)
Coque, don’t forget about me if you go to Ferrol and decide to try epoxy!!!
Thanks for your help and opinions. I´m looking forward to see rr epoxy in europe, that would be great.
Haavard
Yes 2 pac is a nick-name for 2 component laquers or paints, polyurethane, acrylic etc.
Mark
That’s great news Greg, by Europe I hope you mean the UK too! I told Seabase to contact you, I hope they are one of the contacts.
Good luck
Mark
Greg,
Do you have any idea about what will be the retail price for Europe ?
Will it be an exclusive import licence for continental Europe ?
Exchange rate between $/€ allowed interesting import actually, and "e-business + fed ex " is often cheaper for some small, exotic products than in a shop !!!, to an individual point of view.
Thanks for the tip
JJ