That makes epoxy resin usually the best choice for fiberglass repair work. The main part of a surfboard is the foam core. The lightest of all surfboard materials is the epoxy. Among Epoxy or polyester surfboards, Epoxy boards are lighter. Blend precisely two parts Resin (including the pigment or tint) but excluding Additive F, to one part hardener (part B) by volume. Once you get the levels right it is easy, never needed to hand sand more than about 5mins for a basic crack repair. Because of their foam at the center, it can provide you a better buoyancy compared to fiberglass surfboards. Fiberglass cloth. Epoxy is an extremely durable adhesive and can withstand the harsh conditions of the ocean, but it's important to use just enough resin for . Polyester. The Phix Doctor formula is free of toxic compounds and emits nearly zero carbon particles during the curing process.". A foam core. Again, be sure to consult with a professional if you're not sure how much resin to use. Re: How Can I tell the difference between epoxy and polyester resin. 1. Failing that, if you can see the foam through the glass and it looks like beer cooler foam, you will need to use epoxy to repair it. Polyester and epoxy are the types of resin used. Just remember that poly only sticks to poly, and epoxy sticks to everything. However, you hardly see surfboards that come in other materials asides from the three common ones. Grind the crack out shallow and gently bevelled, and glass it so glass is slightly below the level of the paint, then fill with a couple of mm of q-cell mix which is really easy to sand. Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS), used in Epoxy surfboards. An epoxy surfboard has more air in its core, so it floats better than a PU-based board. It is important to note that polyester resins contain styrene that could dissolve polystyrene material and polypropylene. Less flexibility: Less response. Epoxy boards are so much lighter, so they are excellent for high-performance surfers. #3. We also have several other materials like the balsa wood. Epoxy surfboards are newer in technology, weigh less, float better, and are stronger than a fiberglass board. This lightness is given by the inner polystyrene foam material, which is much less dense and therefore lighter than the traditional polyurethane used in polyester boards. And the other great advantage of epoxy resin that it doesn't degrade over time. * Less dingable. Let set hard, job done. Make a stringer. You can buy a tube of Solarez (or similar product) for $5-$10 at your surf shop or online. 2. Set the blister back into the repair area, if you are using new fiberglass you will want to apply the fiberglass in the patch area and then apply the epoxy. A thin piece of wood called a stringer is used in most surfboard constructions. Instead, many EPS boards use either a dense stringer . This kit is used when UV light is not present and fiberglass cloth is needed. A polyester surfboard is affordable and can handle unpredictable wave patterns. Polyester resin. Epoxy boards are constructed from surfboard foam blanks made of EPS foam which is of a lighter weight and provides better buoyancy. When the repair will be finished with gelcoat . Be sure to spread evenly across each area in need of repair. Especially in terms of flex and durability. These things are true water-warriors, the EPS construction matched with fibreglass and epoxy resin, creating a far more durable surfboard than traditional poly boards. Unlike the wooden stringer that is always used in a poly board, epoxy's may or may not use a wooden stringer. This is due to it being more practical and economical than epoxy resin. We know how surfboards are made cheaply. As a general rule, the tensile strength of a polyester bond will be around 20 percent weaker than the same bond made with epoxy. We recommend slowly mixing the resin for at least 1 minute and be sure to scrape the sides, corners . Both the foam and the resin will differ in their construction based on the . Yes, epoxy is stronger then both types of poly. Be sure not to use foam rollers, as they tend to leave bubbles. 3. Shape the blank. EPU construction is a traditional PU blank glassed with epoxy resin. Cheap materials makes cheap foam makes cheap surfboards. We make both types of repair kits. The skin (Poly or Epoxy) of the of the sandwich is much stiffer than the core and will negate any extra of less flex in the core. Once the core is hard, it is cut in half vertically from the nose to the tail. Epoxy Surfboards, sometimes referred to as EPS have a polyester foam core. Roughing up the smooth surface helps the new resin adhere to the surfboard. For applying your gelcoat, you can either roll the gelcoat on, like paint, or you can spray it on. There are 2 types Polyester or Epoxy. An EPS board is easier to paddle and will enter a wave faster than a standard fiberglass surfboard; 4. If it melts, use epoxy to fix it. Epoxy resin is stiffer than Polyester, but as the glass fibre (E Glass or S Glass) is much more important to flex this actually has a negligible effect on the overall flex of the sandwich. Float better Due to their lightweight, epoxy surfboards can float better too. It looks like you're bonding epoxy over wood. Polyester resin will eat polystyrene foam. Fiberglass surfboards are considered to be traditional surfboards and have a polyurethane core and are then covered with the fiberglass cloth. At 3.5-4.5% of overall length, epoxy resin is able to stretch more than polyester resin which can only . This is a considerable advantage in surfing. Epoxy resin is up to 33 percent stronger than the standard resin used in polyurethane-fiberglass surfboards; 2. This lightness is given by the inner polystyrene foam material, which is much less dense and therefore lighter than the traditional polyurethane used in polyester boards. They don't flex as much as fiberglass boards, but an epoxy surfboard will be much more durable. Firstly, ensure that you have applied a thin layer of hardener to your fiberglass surfboard's damaged area. Polyurethane foam boards are the traditional construction. Epoxy can be used on either foam however if the construction is from polyester resin and you patch with epoxy it won't hold as well as the polyester resin but epoxy resin won't melt the polyurethane foam. The next step in finishing your epoxy project is polishing. The shape of the tail dictates how much the board's rail is in the water while you are standing. Add the pigment to the Resin (part A) at the recommended rate, usually 2-10%. An epoxy board has resin that is up to 35% stronger than resin used on a fiberglass board. Holes can be filled with cheap filler, bent stringers . The strength of epoxy surfboards is admirable. Do not use Polyester Pigments in Epoxy. Epoxy resin is up to 33 percent stronger than the standard resin used in polyurethane-fiberglass surfboards; 2. Beginner surfers will find it much easier to catch a wave with a really buoyant surfboard. However, you will find them lighter and stronger than standard polyester. surfboard foam density . After glassing the deck there is a very noticeable ridge where the fiberglass overlaps. Don't be fooled! Just slop it on with a rag and scrub it off with a 3M automotive pad. Rough sand the surrounding area to allow resin a secure bond. Epoxy boards have greater resistance and buoyancy (Due to their lightness). The two most popular types of foam materials used in surfboards are: Polyurethane Foam, used in PU surfboards. EPS is essentially foam with less density than PU blanks softer, but compensated by more layers of fiberglass. If the repair is critical or structural, an epoxy resin should . The kit can repair both epoxy and polyester surfboards, as well as many other composite materials in canoes, SUP's, automotive and hobby ; CURES WITH A CATALYST: Our Ding All Super Epoxy Kit comes with liquid catalyst (Part B) to make it cure. The durability makes it so that your epoxy surfboard: Last longer. Now that you have all the epoxy molecules measured out precisely, it is important to mix the resin thoroughly so all the party-goers get to mingle and find a partner to join hands with. Youtube and Google are your best friend on DIY projects. EPS is an open cell foam, meaning it's extremely water absorbent. You should be able to tell by sanding an area, if it's polyester it'll smell like the inside of a new FG boat, epoxy has a different smell. It costs more but its lifespan will be far longer. Cut out rough shape of the surfboard. Epoxy resin finishes a board way, way stronger. At the time of production, the . Hot Coat - A cost of epoxy resin applied after glassing/laminating. In respect to this, can you repair a surfboard? Now that you have all the epoxy molecules measured out precisely, it is important to mix the resin thoroughly so all the party-goers get to mingle and find a partner to join hands with. Next, you will want to apply your epoxy resin over the top of the hardener and spread it with your brush. An EPS board is easier to paddle and will enter a wave faster than a standard fiberglass surfboard; 4. Consider the setup of fins on your surfboard. During epoxy surfboard shaping, the number of VOCs is reduced by up to 75%, which is helpful for both the shaper's health and our planet. 2. • Epoxy resin forms stronger bonds when it comes to gluing two pieces together and has better adhesive properties with surfaces like wood, metal or concrete. 20 inch non threaded ar barrel. An epoxy surfboard is made using a polystyrene core and is then coated with an epoxy resin. Epoxy boards are a combination of expanded polystyrene foam (also referred to as EPS), fiberglass cloth, and epoxy resin, typically resulting in a lighter and more durable surfboard! Do not let the DNA dry. It can be said that 80% of today's surfboards are made with polyester resin, as it is more practical and cheaper than epoxy resin. Be careful if you see epoxy boards with the same price as polyester boards. Now it's time to measure! Resin /glass or epoxy - once layed up /filled spread plastic shopping bag over area and shape/smooth. Epoxy has far greater adhesive properties than Polyester which makes delamination less likely and also is rumoured to have a slightly greater impact . If you buy your custom through our website the upcharge is $70. Therefore, when a board has lots of rail engagement, it will benefit from great stability and lift. Polyurethane or PU foam has been the standard surfboard foam practically since the board construction progressed from wood blanks. Re: can i use polyester solarez on my epoxy surfboard Nope you need to use the epoxy one. Wipe away any dust or residue with a paper towel and rubbing alcohol or water. If you have a polystyrene blank then you have to use epoxy resin since polyester resin (another poly) will melt the foam. This is done frequently, in fact. I find they both are about the same, requiring similar rules, precautions and procedures for good results. These surfboards are almost indestructible. The Golden Rule of Epoxy #2 : MIX Epoxy Resin THOROUGHLY. Once these areas cure, you can hand sand them flush by hand with a soft block and 120 grit. Epoxy resin is extremely tough and hard wearing. 3. Is resistant to dings and waterlog. Size: Your height and weight. how do you tell epoxy from regular boards?, well to start with look at the manufacturers logos (the "stickers" under the glass work), most reputable board builders will put the word epoxy on most. DNA will remove Acylic paint from a polyester finish without damage to the Poly. These boards offer a balance of flex, strength, and board feel. How to make basic Surfboard repairs: Using SunCure™ Fiberfill resin: Make sure you know what resin your board is made with. Also to know is, what kind of epoxy do you use for surfboards? There are several materials for surfboards out there. 3. Artwork. 1. We also sell a Brushable Gelcoat that can be applied with a brush. For the surfer that loves the smooth feel of PU (polyurethane) foam but wants the performance and durability of epoxy resin. A foam surfboard is usually recommended to beginners for its low risk of injury and its comfort on the water. The hallmark of epoxy surfboards is that they are incredibly light and tough. A stringer. If you decide to roll on the gelcoat, be sure to use a solvent-resistant 1/8" or ¼" nap. Plus, there's the use of epoxy . It can also snap back into shape better than a PU board, which tends to form cracks and delamination lines when put under stress. Ding All Epoxy resin is used for both sanding and laminating applications and can repair both epoxy and polyester surfboards, as well as many other composite materials in canoes, SUP's, automotive and hobby ; CURES WITH A CATALYST: Each size of our Ding All Epoxy Kit comes with liquid catalyst (Part B) to make it cure. Instead, many EPS boards use either a dense stringer . In that case, you would be better served laying up a 100% epoxy schedule. 2. I sanded the fiberglass that wrapped around the front of the board and did not get it flush with the foam. Approximately 80% of the boards made today are done with polyester. Here's the secrets….. Blanks : The core of a surfboard. The Golden Rule of Epoxy #2 : MIX Epoxy Resin THOROUGHLY. Cost - Epoxy resin costs more than polyester resin and therefore requires an upcharge. This core is laminated with fiberglass and epoxy resin. Polyester is about the same, some say easier, others harder to work with then epoxy. Using all same materials I have been for years. While epoxy boards are known to be better for the environment, they are generally more expensive. Unlike the wooden stringer that is always used in a poly board, epoxy's may or may not use a wooden stringer. Glassing - Applying a layer of fiberglass to the surfboard with epoxy resin. In the late '50s, Hobie Alter began playing around with different PU formulas to make a blank that would be easier to shape and produce than the current standard of surfboard material: Balsa wood. Remove bulk foam from the block foam. Epoxy surfboards are laminated with epoxy resin which is stronger and lighter than polyester resin, the resin used most commonly in the surfboard industry. Gloss Coat - A coat of epoxy resin applied after the hot coat.