In a move which will delight all WEST SYSTEM® epoxy users, 207 Coating Hardener has been reformulated into a Special Clear Hardener. In addition to offering the high strength and moisture resistance properties, the reformulation into 207 Special Clear Hardener offers an exceptionally clear finish.
As with its previous iteration, structures made with WEST SYSTEM 105/207 Epoxy will be super solid with excellent bonding and barrier coating properties. The combination will still provide a structural adhesive for gluing and laminating (with excellent compatibility with paints and varnishes). Plus, an ultraviolet inhibitor included within the formulation of 207 hardener provides a beautiful, long-lasting finish when used with a high quality UV-filtering varnish.
“We’ve done this in response to user feedback,” says Ian Oliver, managing director Wessex Resins and Adhesives (the company which manufacturers WEST SYSTEM, PRO-SET® and ENTROPY RESINS® under license from Gougeon Brothers Inc). “WEST SYSTEM epoxy has been in continual development since it was first created over fifty years ago. Each development in its chemistry is weighed up for its practical application – strength and suitability of purpose – and its aesthetic value. When people put the time into building boats and other projects, they want the end result to be spectacular and showcase the hours of work.
“Builders deserve to have the best finish with no compromise in the basic function of the product. After much R&D together with GBI, we have reformulated the WEST SYSTEM 207 Special Coating into the WEST SYSTEM 207 Special Clear Hardener. It’s unique and – quite simply – stunning. The end results are like nothing else seen on the market.”
Wessex Resins says it will continue to produce for a short period of time, WEST SYSTEM 207 Special Coating Hardener (alongside the reformulated WEST SYSTEM 207 Special Clear Hardener) for those who are currently using the original formula on projects.
WEST SYSTEM 105/207 Epoxy is used for coating and fibreglass cloth application where exceptionally clear moisture-resistant, natural wood finish is desired with the added benefit of being more blush resistant.
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 fibreglass weave and, in most cases, the final coating can be sanded the following day.
It is formulated without volatile solvents resulting in a very low VOC content. It has a relatively high flash point, no strong solvent odour and does will not shrink after curing.
Recently Wessex Resins announced that it had been reducing the amount of plastic packaging used. Wherever possible the company’s opting for using recyclable materials, like cardboard, for the epoxy products it manufactures.