Clear epoxy for cord wrapping?

T

Tin.Man

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Sep 5, 2010
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looking for no or very little tint, and before anyone mentions west systems loved it but hated the two cans and pumps. Want something a little easier to apply, smaller rather.

Faster curing would be ok too

Appreciate it
 
I use System Three Clear Coat.

I don't recommend using a fast cure resin.

Apply it very sparingly and let it soak in. It will look like no resin is there when done right.
 
Thanks Stacy I saved that from another of your posts. Can it be found in smaller than a quart?
 
Tin.Man. I recently invested in a cheap precision scale on Amazon and now weigh my west systems epoxy. It is much easier.
 
Yes, it comes in kits from 8oz up. My local Woodcraft carries the pint-and-a-half kit.While I refer to it under the generic term "Clear Coat", the name changes from type to type. Names it may be under are Glaze Coat, Mirror Coat, Bar Top, and Clear Coat. They all work perfect for impregnating paracord. Any other clear resin will work, too. West system 105 resin or System Three T-88 are fine. I like the clear coat type because it is completely colorless. But, on paracord, that rarely matters.
 
I use super glue for tacking down the ends of the paracord when cutting them flush, but it would be terrible for impregnating the cord.
 
Yeah, you are right, T-88 is pretty thick for the task. I have used it and warmed it to around 90F and it worked, but it isn't anything like the Clear Coat.
 
Never used System 3 but I've used JB Weld ClearWeld Quick-Setting Epoxy, works great and is clear in a syringe which makes for neat and easy use & storage
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Yeah, you are right, T-88 is pretty thick for the task. I have used it and warmed it to around 90F and it worked, but it isn't anything like the Clear Coat.
Click to expand...

I tried laying up some carbon fiber for a canoe paddle with it once. Never again :confused::D But that clear coat is great. Also like you've mentioned before, the clear coat is great for pouring into hidden tang handles. I've only got 2 epoxies on hand, T-88 and Clear Coat and I think they can manage any task between the two of them.
 
Same here. 99% of all projects get those two resins.

T-88 isn't a laminating resin, it is a structural resin. For lamination of a project like yours, I would recommend West System 105 resin and 207 hardener, or System Three Total Boat resin with the slow hardener.
 
If I ever get to building a kevlar canoe like I want I'll be using 105. Need to get my new shop finished first. Don't want to lay up a canoe outside :D
 
Typically, with marine epoxy, the "color" comes not from the resin, but the hardener. West 105 is fairly clear, but the 205/206 hardener is that funky yellowish color that actually darkens to a more red hue as it ages in the can.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
That's why I use the extra clear 207.
Click to expand...
Yeah, West has a product for pretty much ever possible use. I stopped using 205 furthermost part because it cures too fast. I mostly use 206 with a couple of little dabs collodial silica added to the resin. That late John White turned meant that fuzzy blue stuff. How strong is the 207? For most of our applications, you could argue that marine epoxy is a bit of overkill. The stuff is made to survive 50 years of pounding in the Gulf Stream. ;)
 
.... How strong is the 207? ...

As I understand it, the slower the polymerization, the stronger the resultant resin. 207 is both clear and slow, so it should be very strong.
 
Thanks for all the posts guys. I should mention it will be on hemp/bamboo/cotton cord and or nylon flat lace.

I'd love a syringe style like the epoxy
 
105/207 as per their data sheet:

Physical Properties of Cured Epoxy

Specific gravity ...........................................................................................1.15
Hardness (Shore D) ASTM D-2240 ..............................................................84.4
Compression yield ASTM D-695 .........................................................11,000 psi
Tensile strength ASTM D638 ...............................................................6,750 psi
Tensile elongation ASTM D-638................................................................. 3.8%
Tensile modulus ASTM D-638............................................................. 4.40E+05
Flexural strength ASTM D-790 ...........................................................11,300 psi
Flexural modulus ASTM D-790 .......................................................... 4.12E+05

105/207 Epoxy is used for coating and fiberglass cloth application where an exceptionally clear, moisture-resistant, natural wood finish is desired. 105/207 is blush free and will not turn cloudy in humid conditions. Thin film applications roll out and tip off smoothly, requiring less sanding in preparation for finish coatings.

Three coats or more can be applied in one day without additional surface preparation. Fewer coats are required to fill fiberglass weave and in most cases the final coating can be sanded the following day.

105/207 forms a high-strength, moisture-resistant solid with excellent bonding and barrier coating properties and is used as a structural adhesive for gluing and laminating.

It has excellent compatibility with paints and varnishes. An ultraviolet inhibitor in 207 helps provide a beautiful, long lasting finish when used with quality UV-filtering varnish. It is formulated without volatile solvents resulting in a very low VOC content. It has a relatively high flash point, no strong solvent odor and does not shrink after curing.



105/205 specs:

Physical Properties of Cured Epoxy

Specificgravity ......................................................................................................1.18
Hardness (Shore D) ASTM D-2240 .......................................................................... 83
Compression yield ASTM D-695 ................................................................ 11,400 psi
Tensile strength ASTM D638 ........................................................................7,900 psi
Tensile elongation ASTM D-638 ..........................................................................3.4%
Tensile modulus ASTM D-638 .....................................................................4.08E+05
Flexural strength ASTM D-790 .................................................................. 14,100 psi
Flexural modulus ASTM D-790 ...................................................................4.61E+05

105/205 Epoxy is used for general coating and bonding applications at lower temperatures and to produce a rapid cure that develops its physical properties quickly at room temperature.

105/205 forms a high-strength, moisture-resistant solid with excel lent bonding and barrier coating properties. It will wet out and bond to wood fiber, fiberglass, reinforcing fabrics, foam and other composite materials, and a variety of metals.

105/205 Epoxy can be thickened with WEST SYSTEM fillers to bridge gaps and fill voids and can be sanded and shaped when cured. With roller applications, it has excellent thin- film characteristics, allowing it to flow out and self-level without “fish-eyeing.” Multiple coats of 105/205 Epoxy create a superior moisture barrier and a tough, stable base for paints and varnishes. It is formulated without volatile solvents resulting in a very low VOC content. It has a relatively high flash point, no strong solvent odor and does not shrink after curing. It is not intended for clear coating natural finished wood



Pick the right material for the application. Speed doesn't necessarily answer the question of strength.
 
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