Polyester and Epoxy Resins in EpoxyWorks Magazine

There is always a debate between which resin to choose for a fiberglass repair. For certain low tensile strength repairs (fibeglass hot tubs, showers, etc.) polyester resin is sufficient for a long lifespan repair. For most high tensile, high impact, ultralight and long lifespan repairs (boats, airplanes, campers and trailers) it is epoxy that is the more cost effective and durable material for fiberglassing.

We have found that first time builders will often choose polyester resin from Canadian Tire, thinking that this resin is appropriate for structural repairs on boats and trailers. I have written a blog post about the differences between epoxy, polyester and vinylester along with a cost analysis, which surprisingly demonstrates that epoxy and woven fiberglass cloth is half the cost of using polyester resin and chopped strand mat. Our goal is to create awareness that using epoxy and woven cloth is the most cost effective, cheapest way to do repairs that also will give the best strength and life span of the repair.

The post today is to share an article from EpoxyWorks Magazine that discusses some of the major differences between epoxy and polyester when considering its moisture resistance, strength, molecular structure, V.O.C. and shrinkage during curing. EpoxyWorks Magazine is a publication supported by technical support, testing and authority of West Systems Epoxy for builders best materials and knowledge for repairs. It is most important to share information that will help builders save money and have the best repair, it coincidently is epoxy and woven fiberglass is the more cost effective (cheapest) and most durable solution.

https://www.epoxyworks.com/differences-between-polyester-and-epoxy/