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Author Topic:   West System G/Flex Epoxy

TransAm posted 01-03-2009 10:06 AM ET (US)
I am curious if any here have experience with the newer West System G/Flex Epoxy products. I am in the process of rebuilding the rear, upholstered bench seat in my Temptation and do not like how the vinyl is currently wrapped around the bottom toe kick and its contact to the decking. I would like to construct a toe kick out of IPE wood, encapsulate it in epoxy, and apply gel coat to match the floor decking. West System's G/Flex is advertised to be more flexible than standard 105 epoxy, which could compensate for any movement in the wood. I'd appreciate hearing from any folks having experience with G/Flex.
Newtauk1 posted 01-03-2009 01:08 PM ET (US)
Sounds like a good product. Found the below info on the web.
A waterproof, flexible bond on plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, etc.
* G/flex is a product of West System, a division of Gougeon Brother's, Inc. The Gougeon brothers have been using epoxy resins in boat building and repair for some 50 years.
* It makes structural bonds that can absorb the stresses of expansion, contraction, shock and vibration.
* G/flex works very well to bond hypalon to hypalon or wood. It does not work well on PVC or urethane fabrics.
* In addition to its superior bonding to many different materials and its ability to bond dissimilar materials, G/flex is much more flexible than other epoxies. This is an excellent property for boat building and repair.
* Polyethylene (HDPE) is a common kayak and canoe material. Its molecular structure resists gluing by most adhesives. G/flex solves the problem; it bonds well to polyethylene and ABS plastics.
* At 72° F pot life is 45 minutes. Working time is 75 minutes. It cures to a solid in three hours and cures to its full strength in one to two days. It cures faster in warmer temperatures and slower in colder ones.
* Clean up is simple. Wipe up spills with absorbent materials. Clean residue before it cures, with alcohol or acetone.
* G/flex adheres tenaciously to difficult-to-glue hardwoods, both tropical and domestic varieties.
* It has the ability to glue damp woods. It can be used on wet surfaces, even underwater when applied with specific techniques.

Newtauk1 posted 01-03-2009 01:32 PM ET (US)
Would the Gel coat over the epoxy still crack under movement? I would contact West System about gel coating over this epoxy.
ConB posted 01-03-2009 07:09 PM ET (US)
I used some G/Flex for the first time last summer. I thought I would give it a try gluing in a plastic transom through hull. I had forgotten I did it until I read this thread. The jury is still out on if it worked as advertised.
Con

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Author	Topic: West System G/Flex Epoxy
TransAm	posted 01-03-2009 10:06 AM ET (US) I am curious if any here have experience with the newer West System G/Flex Epoxy products. I am in the process of rebuilding the rear, upholstered bench seat in my Temptation and do not like how the vinyl is currently wrapped around the bottom toe kick and its contact to the decking. I would like to construct a toe kick out of IPE wood, encapsulate it in epoxy, and apply gel coat to match the floor decking. West System's G/Flex is advertised to be more flexible than standard 105 epoxy, which could compensate for any movement in the wood. I'd appreciate hearing from any folks having experience with G/Flex.
Newtauk1	posted 01-03-2009 01:08 PM ET (US) Sounds like a good product. Found the below info on the web. A waterproof, flexible bond on plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, etc. * G/flex is a product of West System, a division of Gougeon Brother's, Inc. The Gougeon brothers have been using epoxy resins in boat building and repair for some 50 years. * It makes structural bonds that can absorb the stresses of expansion, contraction, shock and vibration. * G/flex works very well to bond hypalon to hypalon or wood. It does not work well on PVC or urethane fabrics. * In addition to its superior bonding to many different materials and its ability to bond dissimilar materials, G/flex is much more flexible than other epoxies. This is an excellent property for boat building and repair. * Polyethylene (HDPE) is a common kayak and canoe material. Its molecular structure resists gluing by most adhesives. G/flex solves the problem; it bonds well to polyethylene and ABS plastics. * At 72° F pot life is 45 minutes. Working time is 75 minutes. It cures to a solid in three hours and cures to its full strength in one to two days. It cures faster in warmer temperatures and slower in colder ones. * Clean up is simple. Wipe up spills with absorbent materials. Clean residue before it cures, with alcohol or acetone. * G/flex adheres tenaciously to difficult-to-glue hardwoods, both tropical and domestic varieties. * It has the ability to glue damp woods. It can be used on wet surfaces, even underwater when applied with specific techniques.
Newtauk1	posted 01-03-2009 01:32 PM ET (US) Would the Gel coat over the epoxy still crack under movement? I would contact West System about gel coating over this epoxy.
ConB	posted 01-03-2009 07:09 PM ET (US) I used some G/Flex for the first time last summer. I thought I would give it a try gluing in a plastic transom through hull. I had forgotten I did it until I read this thread. The jury is still out on if it worked as advertised. Con