West Systems Epoxy Products
Representative Photo, actual item may vary
When boat builders and woodworkers talk about epoxy, West System is usually part of the conversation. The brand's epoxy products are built around a modular idea: one resin, several hardeners, and a range of fillers, additives and specialty adhesives that let you tune the chemistry to the job. This page focuses on that lineup. For a broader look at the company, visit the West System brand page, or browse the full Epoxy Products category to compare other options.
The 105 Epoxy System: One Resin, Four Hardeners
The foundation of the line is 105 Epoxy Resin, a clear, low-viscosity liquid resin. It is formulated to be paired with one of four West System hardeners, and when mixed at the correct ratio it cures to a high-strength solid with excellent moisture resistance. That makes it a natural fit for marine laminating, coating, bonding and fairing work.
Choosing the hardener is how you match the epoxy to your conditions:
- 205 Fast Hardener suits cooler weather and quick turnaround, with a working time of roughly 60 to 70 minutes at 72°F for a thin film.
- 206 Slow Hardener gives about 90 to 110 minutes of working time, useful for larger layups or warmer shops.
- 207 Special Clear Hardener was developed for coating and fiberglass cloth work where a clear, natural wood finish is desired. It resists clouding in humid conditions and has low blush formation.
- 209 Extra Slow Hardener extends working time further for hot-weather projects.
Group Sizes Keep Mixing Simple
Resin and hardener are packaged in four Group Sizes (A, B, C and E), and each resin container has a matching hardener container. When shopping, make sure both labels carry the same Group Size letter. The 205 and 206 hardeners mix with resin at a 5:1 ratio by volume, while the 207 mixes at 3:1, so using matched containers and metering pumps takes much of the guesswork out of measuring.
Specialty Epoxies for Specific Jobs
Beyond the 105 system, West System offers specialty epoxies that solve different problems. G/flex is a toughened, flexible epoxy designed to bond wood, metal and fiberglass where movement, vibration or dissimilar materials would stress a rigid glue line. Six10 Thickened Epoxy Adhesive is a pre-thickened formula intended for convenient structural bonding without mixing in fillers. Each has its own technical data sheet covering cure times, mix ratio and shelf life, which is worth reviewing before you start.
What to Consider Before You Buy
- Temperature: Pick the hardener for your ambient temperature and the size of the job, since cure speed varies widely.
- Finish: Use the clear-curing 207 for bright-finished wood under varnish; standard hardeners are fine for hidden structural work.
- Thickening: The 105 resin can be thickened with fillers for fillets, gap filling and fairing, so plan on additives if you are doing more than saturation coats.
- Safety: Review the safety data sheets and wear appropriate gloves and eye protection when handling uncured epoxy.
Whether you are repairing a fiberglass hull, laminating a strip-planked canoe or sealing a wooden project against moisture, West System's epoxy products offer a well-documented, mix-and-match approach that rewards a little planning.